The Bushy Park Trust is throwing a little party on Saturday afternoon to open its wetland area - and everyone is invited.
The cost of seeing the birds at the 100ha forest sanctuary has increased to $10 per adult. But anyone can join the party this weekend for the cost of a gold coin.
The occasion starts at noon, and Bushy Park Trust chairwoman Liz Tennet is hoping for a good crowd.
Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae and Lady Mateparae, the guests of honour, are expected to arrive at 12.45pm in a vintage Stutz car. There will be speeches at 1pm, then Sir Jerry will lead a massed walk down the hill and around the new boardwalk built by Rotary Club of Wanganui North members.
A ukulele band will provide music, and there will be food and other stalls, a vintage car display, and Devonshire teas available mid-afternoon.
A marquee will be erected if the weather looks dubious, and seating will be provided.
People can choose to bring their own picnic lunches.
They'll have an opportunity to look through the homestead, and buy surplus furniture.
Volunteers will guide groups to the huge rata tree in the forest, and explain features like the bird feeders.
Rare hihi (stitchbirds), tieke (saddlebacks) and toutouwai (North Island black robin) are common in the predator-fenced forest.
The sanctuary is 25km from Wanganui on Rangitatau East Rd and parking will be in a paddock below the homestead.