Three penguins have been flown down to Christchurch's International Antarctic Centre as the National Aquarium of New Zealand is nearing capacity.
Two females, Pippa and Miley, and an unnamed male left Napier's facility today with aquarium keeper Rebekah Cuthbert.
Ms Cuthbert said the Antarctic Centre were delighted to receive a call from her, asking if they'd like some birds for their indoor and outdoor penguin viewing area.
"Straight away they said 'Yes, we'd love some!' and we began making our arrangements to travel south."
Aquarium manager Rob Yarrall said the aquarium was licensed to hold 20 birds and they were already nearing that number.
This meant they couldn't take in any more penguins that needed their on-site hospital care, and they were not able to do any breeding.
The aquarium takes in penguins with all sorts of issues whether their blind, have their beak missing or were born disabled.
Once they are fit and well any bird capable of catching their own fish are released but for these three penguins a new habitat awaits.
When asked if Ms Cuthbert gets attached to her young charges she said yes to some more than others.
"I'm happy to see them go to their new home. I'm especially pleased that Pippa has thrived - she is one of the first chicks since the early 1990s that has been successfully raised to fledgling."
Pippa was born at the Aquarium, and was now one years old, while the other two were rescued penguins - Miley aged three, and the juvenile male just six months.
The National Aquarium is home to little blue penguins - or korora - the smallest penguin species and native to New Zealand.
Some birds are bred on-site but most are taken to the Aquarium to be treated following injury, accident or attack.