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.