Kea breeding season looks to be off to a positive start in the upper South Island

At least three chicks have hatched so far in Rainbow valley and Nelson Lakes National Park - with no signs of predators

Department of Conservation Biodiversity Ranger, Melissa Griffin admits it's early days.

However, she says they've not seen any rats, stoats or feral cats in the area following possum control in May.

Rainbow valley's kea population has taken a big hit since the late 1990s, largely driven by predators.