Jaybee the wandering kiwi finally found

'SPECIAL CASE': Jaybee the kiwi always ends up exactly where trust workers think he isn't.

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A kiwi that spent a month on the run has finally been tracked down in a helicopter hunt through Rimutaka Forest Park.

Jaybee the kiwi has a knack for making a quick disappearance and seems to love long-distance adventures.

The 38 kiwi in the park are fitted with radio transmitters that allow Rimutaka Forest Park Trust volunteers to track and monitor them. But the transmitters only worked by line of sight, spokeswoman Melody McLaughlin said.

"They work up to about five kilometres, but if there's an obstacle like a mountain in the way, it's no good."

Trust volunteers spent more than 40 hours last month trying to locate the elusive Jaybee, before bringing in air support.

"We thought if we had a good vantage point, up higher, we'd have a better chance."

Maurice Wooster, from Rimutaka Heli Services, offered the use of a chopper.

With trust member Alan Thompson aboard with a tracking antenna in hand, the pair located Jaybee in just over 30 minutes. "In true form, Jaybee was exactly where we thought he wasn't," Mr Thompson said.

Ms McLaughlin said Jaybee had been a "special case" since he arrived at the park in January.

"Every time we thought we knew where he was, he turned up in the opposite direction."

Jaybee had traversed more than 12km of thick bush terrain, crossing two major streams along the way, she said.

Park staff were keen to find Jaybee quickly because he is due to have his transmitter changed. They will go in on foot and pick him up early this week, but after a new transmitter is fitted he will be left to roam again.

Jaybee was fully grown but still a "sub-adult" kiwi, the equivalent of a teenager, Ms McLaughlin said.

Jaybee's sister Mattie has also been off wandering and staff plan to retrieve her soon.

- © Fairfax NZ News