It got off to a rocky start, but three orangutans have finally made it to their new home in Christchurch.

Charlie, Melur and Wanita arrived at Orana Wildlife Park early this morning, a day after fog delayed their arrival.

The Indonesian natives will be living there while Auckland Zoo builds a new South East Asian precinct for the trio.

Auckland Zoo's primates team leader Amy Robbins said they've spent a year preparing the hairy apes for the big move.

"They arrived at 3:30 this morning, so they are very tired, but they have just been so great, so, so proud of them. The unloading process went super smoothly. They went straight out of their crates and straight into their new area."

Robbins said that while it all went smoothly despite the fog, the three are quite tired from their trip.

"They are quite exhausted. Charlie's been rolling on his back and just sitting in front of everyone. We're so proud of them."