Southlanders will have an opportunity to see some of the world's rarest birds this weekend at a kakapo chick viewing session.

The Department of Conservation's (DOC) Kakapo Recovery Programme team is inviting members of the public to see some of this year's record-breaking chicks at a hand-rearing facility in Invercargill before they are returned to their offshore island homes. 

Kakapo advocacy ranger Bronnie Jeynes said it was a wonderful opportunity for the public to share in the success of this year's huge breeding season, which brought a record 73 chicks alive to date. 

"With an adult population of just 147, new chicks will be a huge boost to the critically endangered population."

Kakapo only breed every two to four years, when rimu trees produce fruit in what's known as a mast year, or large seeding period. 

The last mast year, in 2016, resulted in a record of 34 birds added to the population, meaning the new record was potentially more than doubled.

A temporary hand-rearing facility was set up in the Invercargill CBD to help care for this season's most vulnerable chicks, providing an opportunity for people to see a kakapo before they headed back to their predator-free island homes. 

In previous years, public viewings were held over longer periods. But DOC says the chicks and their mothers are doing so well on the islands that the facility was not required for the same length of time this year.

"With all the rimu fruit available the chicks are really thriving on the islands this year. For the first time in recent memory we've been able to put three chicks in on nest! It's a hugely exciting time," Miss Jeynes said. 

During the viewing sessions, people will be able to see the chicks in an enclosure and learn more about New Zealand's unique parrot and the recovery programme. 

Spaces are limited and bookings will be taken for half-hour time slots, in which groups of people will be moved through the facility, spending about 10 minutes with the chicks. 

The viewings will be held from April 13-15. 

Tickets can be purchased from the Invercargill i-SITE and cost $10 for adults and a gold coin donation for school students. Under fives are free.