The dead young kea were found piled up on a picnic table.
Five dead young kea have been found piled up on picnic tables at Klondyke Corner near Arthur's Pass.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) said the bodies of the endangered birds were only found today and the cause of death was not yet known.
Arthur's Pass Field Centre supervisor Chris Stewart said the five birds had been sent away for an autopsy.
"The five birds were found piled up on one of the picnic tables. We're hoping to hear from anyone that can offer some insight into how they got there."
He said DOC staff would be monitoring Klondyke Corner for any clues.
Stewart said the department was keen to identify the cause of the birds' deaths as quickly as possible to prevent any more birds suffering the same fate.
Anyone who was in the Klondyke Corner area over the weekend and who may have information on the fate of the birds is asked to call 0800 DOCHOTline - 0800 36 24 68 - or Chris Stewart directly on 027-272 9788.
Though kea are commonly seen in the Arthur's Pass area, their wild population is estimated at only between 1000 and 5000 birds.
They are rated as one of the world's most intelligent birds and are only found in the Southern Alps of the South Island.