Robin’s Nest for Weddings

Whether you’re searching for that picturesque and natural backdrop for your outdoor ceremony, or a day-night venue where you can celebrate with family and friends, Ngā Manu offers an idyllic wetland and forest setting. With 14 hectares of nature reserve to explore, photo opportunities are endless!

We offer Robin’s Nest for gatherings of up to 90 people. This beautiful space provides year-round options – in summer, wonderful indoor-outdoor flow allows your guests access to a large deck and lawn; in the cooler months, stay warm inside while enjoying the wetland view.

Robin’s Nest has ramp access from a private carpark which can be used by guests and caterers. The building is equipped with a servery and kitchenette area with dishwasher, food preparation benches, billie, fridge and sink (for cleaning up those small messes). Alcohol may be consumed on the premises but Ngā Manu Trust do not possess a license to sell or supply alcohol. Toilet facilities with wheelchair access are via a short covered walkway.

We can recommend experienced local wedding services, celebrants and caterers who are familiar with the venue to tailor your unique day or you may prefer to make your own arrangements. Ngā Manu do not provide catering and you will need to provide your own crockery and cutlery. There’s no oven in the kitchen but we do have a small microwave. We recommend your catering team organise a visit to our site to research the best options for your event.

Theo’s Cottage, which is adjacent to Robin’s Nest, may be hired as a dressing room, a place for the children in your bridal party to find sanctuary or it could provide convenient, overnight accommodation for up to 4 people.

We offer:

  • Our private lawn beside the main pond
  • Free access into the Reserve for your Bridal Party and photographer
  • Discounted admission into the Reserve for your guests
  • Chairs and trestle tables available for hire
  • Wet-weather option of Robin’s Nest

Pricing:

1) Your Wedding Ceremony during staffed hours – Use of our private lawn beside main pond, free access to the Reserve for your bridal party and photographer – $400 for 3 hours hire between 9am to 5pm. Maximum of 90 people.

2) Your Wedding Ceremony After-Hours – Use of our private lawn beside main pond, free access to the Reserve for your bridal party and photographer – $550 for hire from 5pm – 8pm. Maximum of 90 people.

Optional extras:

  • Robin’s Nest as a wet weather option. $80 fee applies.
  • Discounted admission into the Reserve for your guests during Reserve opening hours (10am to 5pm)
  • 90 chairs available to hire
  • 14 trestle tables available to hire
  • Furniture set up to your plan for a fee

If you require additional time for set-up or pack-down outside your 3 hour hire – this is charged at $100 per hour.

Non-refundable deposits are required to secure a booking:

  • Wedding ceremony deposit – $200
  • Theo’s Cottage deposit – $75

We offer:

  • Robin’s Nest and private lawn from 9am till midnight on your Wedding day for your ceremony and reception.
  • Access to the Reserve for your wedding rehearsal
  • Free access into the Reserve for your Bridal Party and photographer
  • Discounted admission into the Reserve for your guests
  • Access to 90 chairs and 14 trestle tables

An after-hours staffing fee applies from 5pm-8pm (minimum of 3 hours)
Security fee from 5pm to 1am (or 1 hour after the last guest leaves)

Optional:

  • Furniture set up to your plan for a fee
  • Discounted admission into the Reserve for your guests during Reserve opening-hours
  • Access to Robin’s Nest for set-up on the day prior is charged at $450 (access from 9am to 4pm), or $200 (access from 1pm to 4pm)
  • Access to Robin’s Nest for clean up and pack-down on day after wedding between 8.30 and 12.30am – $150
  • Use of Theo’s Cottage– $130

Non-refundable deposits are required to secure a booking:

  • Wedding Celebration deposit – $300
  • Theo’s Cottage deposit – $75
  • Maximum numbers – Robin’s Nest is resource consented for a maximum of 90 people, which includes your caterers, musicians etc
  • Health and Safety policy – Clients will be responsible for providing Ngā Manu’s health and safety requirements to their guests
  • Damage to Ngā Manu property – As hirer you will be responsible for any replacement costs resulting from breakage or damage to Ngā Manu property by you or your guests.
  • Alcohol policy – Ngā Manu does not have a license to supply or sell alcohol. The sale of alcohol is prohibited on our premises. You may bring your own alcohol or have it supplied by a caterer. Alcohol is only to be consumed in the function area and is not allowed in the Reserve.
  • No smoking policy – Smoking is not permitted anywhere on site (including the carparks).
  • Noise restrictions – Ngā Manu complies with Kapiti Coast District Council’s noise restrictions, which will apply to after-hours functions. During Reserve opening hours we request that your entertainment be at a volume that does not impact on the enjoyment of other visitors or our neighbors.
  • Security – We will hire a security guard for all events which take place after 5pm to 1am (or 1 hour after the last guest leaves). An after-hours staffing fee applies of $44 per hour (minimum of 3 hours). They will be there to assist you with any emergencies, to monitor the carpark, make sure that guests do not wander into the Reserve and to make sure the number of people at the function does not exceed our 90-person limit.
  • Waste Policy – Please make sure that all waste and recyclables are taken away at the end of the day.
  • Payment – deposit to be paid 3 months prior to the day of the event. Final payment to be paid on the 20th of the month after the event has been held.

Please email admin@ngamanu.org.nz or call 04 293 4131 to make an appointment to view our facilities and discuss your requirements.