Velskov & The Hotel Britomart Named Finalists in the 2025 Sustainable Business Awards

Planting a native horopito tree

We are proud to share that Velskov Forest Farm and The Hotel Britomart have been recognised as finalists in the Sustainable Business Network’s Next List 2025, for our joint creation — Nourishing Nature.

Nourishing Nature is New Zealand’s first hotel-led regenerative tourism experience, designed to connect people with the living forest — not as observers, but as participants.

Hosted weekly at Velskov, the experience invites guests from The Hotel Britomart to spend a day immersed in nature: foraging for native edibles, co-cooking a forest meal over fire, and planting trees that will grow for generations.

Each visit restores part of the native ecosystem, strengthens biodiversity, and builds meaningful connections between people and place.

The partnership between The Hotel Britomart and Velskov grew from shared values. Together, we’re reimagining tourism as a regenerative act — where travel gives more than it takes, and every guest leaves a living legacy.

This finalist recognition celebrates the many hands and hearts involved — from hosts and chefs to ecologists, guides, and guests who have helped us bring this experience to life.

The Sustainable Business Network’s Next List honours individuals and collaborations across Aotearoa who are leading the shift toward a more sustainable, resilient future. To stand alongside such inspiring innovators affirms that regeneration is not a niche, but the way forward.

“When we restore the forest, we restore ourselves.”

Thank you to all who have supported this journey — and to every guest who has planted, tasted, and tended with us. This recognition belongs to you.

Read more about the 2025 finalists here:
👉 sustainable.org.nz