Told by the regional council that pigs were forbidden from living on the island because of a bylaw, owner Gavin Ferguson was preparing to slaughter the seven-month-old pigs last week.
However, the Loaded Hog brewery saved the bacon of the Berkshire pigs, named Boris, Kobi and Marble.
On hearing of the pigs' plight, the brewery offered them a lifeline in the form of a 3ha property and all the food they could eat.
Mr Ferguson said on Thursday he was grateful the pigs were not seasick on the voyage across Foveaux Strait.
Passing through Dunedin on Thursday, the pigs faced another sea voyage yesterday when they travelled to Wellington on a ferry before a promotional visit to a Loaded Hog pub for their own version of the six o'clock swill.
Mr Ferguson said he hoped it was not be the last time he saw the pigs.
He hoped to change the Environment Southland bylaw when it came up for discussion in 2010.
Planning to use the pigs to help establish his own self-sufficient farm on the island, Mr Ferguson has opted for a more conventional compost bin and worm farm.
However, on his return trip he plans to pick up some Stewart Island sheep in the hope of reintroducing them to the island.
"There is no bylaw against them . . . I hope."
