Art of Foraging
Welcome to Art of Foraging — an immersive, private, and bespoke New Zealand nature experience.
Step into the heart of the Waitākere Ranges, forage for native ingredients, craft teas, and share stories over an open-fire meal. Rooted in a deep respect for the land, this experience is a journey of nourishment, connection, and insight into the uniqueness of Auckland’s rainforests.
It is about getting hands-on, gathering, tasting, listening, and understanding the relationship between you and the natural world.
“Foraging is the luxury of rediscovery of our true place in nature”
Mamakan carries the knowledge of her indigenous Scandinavian heritage and combines this with a deep love of New Zealand plants in her capacity as a botanical artist and the founder of Velskov.
Our commitment to sustainability means we are walking lightly on this land and actively working to restore the forest to her natural state.
After being welcomed, you’ll head out on a relaxed walk through the bush, gathering the forest’s offerings with your own hands — young shoots, fragrant leaves, and hidden treasures beneath the canopy.
Mamakan will guide you in recognising and carefully collecting what you need, sharing how you could use these plants for food. We will plant a tree to replenish any harvest that we have taken from the forest.
After gathering what we need, we’ll head to our open-air kitchen, powered by natural wood. Here, you’ll work together to co-create a meal using the plants you’ve foraged and other seasonal ingredients.
Everyone plays a part — chopping, stirring, tasting — guided by Mamakan through the natural flow of the cooking process. It’s simple, honest comfort food — shaped by the land and shared in good company. You’ll taste the freshness of the forest in every bite and learn how these flavours reflect the natural seasons.
Sharing food prepared with care and connection is central to indigenous practice traditions, and you’ll feel that as you sit down together to enjoy the meal you’ve created. It’s a relaxed and open space, so if you’re curious about any of the plants, feel free to ask.
You’ll swap stories, share a few laughs, and come away with a deeper connection to the land and its natural abundance.
Request to reserve your private time in the forest!
This experience is perfect for food enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a deeper connection with the environment. Kindly share your preferred date and time, and we’ll confirm availability and pricing shortly.
Lunch
Airport or Hotel pick up 10:15 am (if transfer requested)
Velskov arrival: 11 am
Velskov departure: 2:30pm
Est. Airport or City hotel arrival: 3:15 pm
Dinner
Airport or Hotel pick up: 2:45 pm (if transfer requested)
Velskov arrival: 3:30pm
Velskov departure: 7:00 pm
Est. Airport or City hotel arrival: 7:45 pm
Useful information
5 hours including travel from Auckland CBD and return.
Travel to the airport: 30-60 minutes
Travel to CBD: 30-45 minutes
Capacity
Capacity: 6 guests. On special request, up to 12 guests.
Pricing
Minimum Spend: $1975
Please email us at hebe@velskov.com
Frequently Asked Questions
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For your comfort, please wear clothes that you can layer and shoes suitable for walking. Velskov provides a limited number of gumboots and rain jackets.
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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.
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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
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The tastings of fresh ingredients from the farm and local area will vary daily. While specific dietary requests cannot be guaranteed, please inform us of any allergies when booking on hebe@velskov.com
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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
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.
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Contact us if you have special requests in mind at hebe@velskov.com
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Yes, you are welcome to make your own way to Velskov Native Forest Farm.
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The forest farm is in Waitakere Ranges, a 30-45-minute drive from Auckland downtown.
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Yes, there is a compostable toilet available for use at the off-grid native forest farm.
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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.
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Yes, for tours tailored to alternate dates, times and attendee numbers please enquire with hebe@velskov.com or call +64 0272209107.