A cheeky young Auckland Zoo giraffe is heading off across the Tasman.

Fifteen-month-old Mtundu will be transported to Fergusson Wharf this afternoon, ahead of a four-day boat ride to Sydney.

Mtundu's taking it all in his stride. #giraffeonthemove pic.twitter.com/dKeQs2Yul5

— Auckland Zoo (@aucklandzoo) February 21, 2017

He will end up at Mogo Zoo, on the New South Wales coast near Canberra.

Auckland Zoo’s Pridelands team leader Nat Sullivan says he's not like other giraffes.

"His name is Mtundu which means 'mischievous' in Swahili. He's always been a a bit of a cheeky giraffe, he's got loads of personality."

Ms Sullivan said Mtundu had taken well to his transport crate and they were not expecting any mischief on the trip.

Mtundu will be travelling on the 42,000 tonne container ship, Hammonia Galicia.

On board luggage for the 500kg giraffe will include medical supplies and plenty of food options.

Auckland Zoo will be posting updates on Mtundu’s journey on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Mtundu is set to become part of the Australasian zoos regional breeding programme for this threatened species, Ms Sullivan said.

"This is a positive and important move for the regional breeding programme, but we’re naturally always sad to farewell our animals, and we’ll especially miss Mtundu, who was, dare I say, a favourite, and a great time waster!

"He loved to play-fight with his dad Zabulu, and was playmate for our new female Kabili, who was born on New Year’s Eve."