For the Eco-Luxury Traveller

Nourishing Nature: Conservation, Cuisine and Community

Step into the sun-dappled shade of New Zealand’s lush rainforest for an immersive sensory experience where conservation, cuisine and community come together.

On our half-day (4-hour) Nourishing Nature experience, you’ll head to the beautiful Waitakere Ranges to visit our ‘natural forest farm’ that’s taking traditional plant ingredients into some of Auckland’s best restaurants. You’ll forage herbs and plants with the guidance of an expert, discover the taste profiles of these ingredients and learn how reforesting native bush helps New Zealand’s rich biodiversity flourish.

After the harvest, you’ll discover the unique flavours of the forest in a spectacular open-air glasshouse in the forest.

Later, you’ll choose a native tree sapling* to plant as your contribution to restoring the forest, and to stand as a living marker of your visit to Aotearoa New Zealand and go on a sensory bush walk.
*or seasonal variation such as forest mushroom log inoculation

Every aspect of the Nourishing Nature experience is designed to be light on the earth and connect to the community in a meaningful way. You’ll travel in an electric vehicle, taste forest produce and learn about local customs, all the while supporting a regenerative business.

Tasting | The tasting is suitable for pescatarians, vegetarians, gluten-free and halal diets. However, please note that most of the farm produce tasters are not prepared as vegan dishes.

Price | $439 per person for a half-day tour (4 hours), including return transport from The Hotel Britomart, Auckland CBD and tasters. Hotel guests at selected hotels may be eligible for a discount. Please inquire at your concierge.

Available Tuesdays and Thursdays | 9am – 1pm and 1.30pm – 5.30pm

Bookings essential | There are two departure times per day on Tuesdays and Thursdays for up to just 6 guests per experience. BOOKINGS BELOW.

We’ve joined forces with our friends at The Hotel Britomart to create an experience for people who want to leave a lasting positive impact in the place they’ve come to explore.

Regenerative Travel is a new concept that goes beyond sustainable travel. While sustainable travel focuses on minimising the negative impacts of tourism, regenerative travel aims to leave a positive impact on the destination. It’s social-led, instead of product-led, and allows visitors to forge a lasting connection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • For your comfort, please wear clothes that you can layer and shoes suitable for walking. Velskov also provides a limited number of gumboots and rain jackets.

  • We recommend bringing a hat and sunscreen (for the summer months), a rain jacket (for the winter months), as well as a water bottle, camera and insect spray.

    Don't forget any medication you may need during the tour, such as allergy prevention or treatment.

  • Participants must be at least 18 years old to attend on their own. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. If you have special requests for a private kid-friendly tour, please contact us at hebe@velskov.com

  • The tour features tastings of fresh ingredients from the farm and local area, which vary daily. While specific dietary requests cannot be guaranteed, please inform us of any allergies when booking at hebe@velskov.com. The tasting is suitable for pescatarians, vegetarians, gluten-free and halal diets. However, please note that most farm produce tasters are not prepared as vegan dishes.

    • Round-trip transportation from The Hotel Britomart to Velskov Native Forest Farm with a dedicated driver.

    • A guided walk through the native forest farm.

    • Expert-guided herb and plant foraging.

    • A tasting experience featuring forests foods, artisan cheeses, meats, and breads in a beautiful open-air glasshouse.

    • Learn how reforesting native bush helps New Zealand’s rich biodiversity flourish.

    • The opportunity to plant a native tree sapling, to help restore the forest or seasonal variation such as mushroom log inoculation.

  • Yes, guests need to be physically mobile and fit for a short walk through the forest. Unfortunately, the bush walk is not suitable for wheelchair access, but we can create a private visit. Please contact us.

  • Yes, you are welcome to make your own way to Velskov Native Forest Farm. However, this does not change the tour cost. We encourage you to join the group in the eco-friendly electric vehicle to help reduce our environmental footprint.

  • Yes, the total tour duration is four hours, which includes the 45-minute drive each way from The Hotel Britomart to Velskov.

  • Yes, there is a compostable toilet available for use at the off-grid native forest farm.

  • We understand that plans can change. You can cancel your booking up to 10 days before the tour start time for a full refund minus an admin fee of 20%. Cancellations made within 10 days are not eligible for a refund.

  • Yes, for tours tailored to alternate dates, times and attendee numbers please enquire with hebe@velskov.com or call +64 0272209107.