Exclusive: Immerse Yourself in Nature: A Private Foraging Experience at Velskov
Rainforest Cuisine
A day retreat for just you and your loved ones with foraging, co-cooking and a sit-down forest feast.
Explore the vibrant forest with an expert forager, and learn to identify, harvest and prepare food with wild herbs, edible flowers, and mushrooms.
In our unique outdoor kitchen, transform your finds into delicious dishes with the flavours of nature. Discover the joy of cooking and connecting with nature. Enhance your visit with a peaceful forest walk and tree planting.
Awaken your senses with exclusive and private access to a 10-acre forest in Auckland, New Zealand, where nature and culinary artistry intertwine.
Join us for an unforgettable private foraging experience that will leave you inspired and connected to nature.
What Awaits You:
🌿 Foraging Adventure: Step into our vibrant natural forest and feel the crunch of ferns underfoot as you wander through lush greenery, guided by our expert forager. Discover the hidden gems of nature—wild herbs, edible flowers, and mushrooms bursting with flavour. Engage your senses as you touch, smell, and taste the treasures that only the New Zealand forest has to offer.
🍽️ Culinary Creation: Transform your foraged finds into a culinary masterpiece! In our outdoor fire kitchen, the aromas of fresh herbs and earthy ingredients fill the air as our forager guides you through the cooking process. Experience the thrill of chopping, stirring, and savouring each dish, crafted with your own hands. Delight in a delicious late lunch or early dinner that celebrates the bounty of nature.
🚶 Forest Walk: Take a moment to breathe deeply and absorb the tranquillity of Velskov Forest. Listen to the gentle rustle of giant ferns and the songs of native birds. As you stroll, your private guide shares captivating stories about the flora and fauna that call this forest home, enriching your connection to the land.
🌱 Optional Tree Planting: Leave a lasting legacy by participating in our optional tree planting activity. Feel the earth between your fingers as you nurture young saplings, contributing to the vitality of our forest and ensuring its beauty for generations to come.
Our private experiences offer a personal, immersive experience that invites you and your family to explore, create, and connect in a truly magical setting.
Reserve Your Experience Today! This experience is perfect for food enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a deeper connection with the environment. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now.
Price | $2800 for up to 4 people for a full-day experience (6 hours). Additional guests can be included and charged at the rates specified in our booking form. Private transport from Auckland CBD can be booked as well. A helicopter transfer is available on request, just ask us for heli options.
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 on hebe@velskov.com
-
Exclusive access to a 10-access private forest. Option to book a private driver or a helicopter tour.
A guided walk through the native forest farm.
Expert-guided herb and plant foraging.
A tasting experience featuring forest foods, artisan cheeses, meats, and breads in a beautiful open-air glasshouse.
Private Cooking lessons on foraged foods on fire.
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 the optional short walk through the forest.
-
Yes, you are welcome to make your own way to Velskov Native Forest Farm.
-
The forest farm is in Waitakere Ranges, a 30-45-minute drive from Auckland downtown.
-
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.