A homecoming for 50 rare rowi kiwi.

The chicks have been released back into the Okarito forest near Franz Josef.

They've been on Motuara Island in the Marlborough Sounds since they hatched a year ago.

DOC Biodiversity Ranger Tracey Dearlove says it's the biggest transfer they've ever done.

"So we released them into 7 different sites and they seem to be pretty happy in there, I think their pretty happy to be out of boxes and out of vehicles."