The eight kiwi released at Orokonui Ecosanctuary at the weekend have begun moving around their new home.
The critically endangered Haast tokoeka - moved from their temporary home on predator-free islands in Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau - were released into makeshift burrows within the ecosanctuary.
Each had a monitoring transmitter attached.
Otago Natural History Trust chairman Neville Peat said the birds appeared to be checking out their new home - a 2km-long forested valley.
Sanctuary conservation manager Elton Smith had monitored the kiwi after dark, he said.
"Some of them have begun moving around the forest.
"Elton has heard calls and even seen one of the kiwi on a walking track."
Orokonui hoped to offer night excursions for the public after the kiwis settled in, he said.
"What a novel experience it will be for Dunedin people to be able to hear kiwi calls."
