One perfect day of restoration, where Velskov’s wild beauty meets The Hotel Britomart’s urban elegance.

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

On our half-day (9am–2:30pm) Nourishing Nature experience, you’ll head to the beautiful Waitākere Ranges to visit a ‘native forest farm’ that’s bringing traditional native 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, enjoy a forest-to-table lunch in a stunning open-air glasshouse. Your host will cook over an open fire, serving native-inspired dishes alongside artisan cheeses, meats and breads. Sip herbaceous drinks as you listen to birdsong and learn more about local ecological practices and cultural traditions.

You’ll also contribute directly to forest restoration by planting a native sapling* — grown from seed at The Hotel Britomart’s sister property, The Landing — or taking part in a seasonal activity like forest log inoculation.

Every element of the experience is designed to be light on the earth and deeply connected to community — from electric vehicle transfers and community-sourced produce to local storytelling and indigenous planting.

Now including an overnight stay.
To make the most of your experience, guests can now stay overnight at The Hotel Britomart, waking up to breakfast at kingi either the Tuesday before or the Wednesday evening following the Nourishing Nature tour. Relax in soulful surroundings and enjoy a slower, more grounded connection to this special place.

Package for 2 people:

  • Nourishing Nature Tour includes guided ecological activities, native tea tasting, co-cooking lunch, and a dedicated tree planting.

  • Overnight Stay with complimentary upgrade to the next available Guest Room type

  • Breakfast at kingi

Transport optional extra | $110 per person for electric taxi return transfer (min. 2 people). Self-drive option available; with a 5-minute uphill walk to the forest.

Tour Days | Wednesdays, 9am – 2:30pm

Stay Days | Tuesday night before the tour or Wednesday night after the tour

  • Enjoy flexibility with changes and cancellations up to 14 days before arrival

  • Pre-payment required at time of booking

From $1238

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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, such as allergy prevention or treatment.

  • The experience 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.

    • 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 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.

  • Yes, if you are doing the tree planting, guests need to be physically mobile and fit for a short walk through the forest.

  • Yes, you are welcome to make your own way to Velskov Native Forest Farm. We encourage you to use eco-friendly electric vehicles to help reduce your environmental footprint.

  • 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 booking date for a full refund minus an admin fee of 20%. Cancellations made within 10 days are not eligible for a refund.