Kiwi returns to Nelson Lakes National Park

The great spotted kiwi is being reintroduced to Nelson Lakes National Park next month.

On May 15 the Department of Conservation will release the birds on the shores of Lake Rotoiti after a pest control programme in the 5000ha project area ensures they have a good chance of surviving and breeding.

"The last reliable record of kiwi in the Nelson Lakes was from the early 1920s," DoC's St Arnaud spokesman John Wotherspoon said. "It is tremendous to be bringing kiwi back."