Welcome to Hine-rau-whārangi — a luxury, private, and bespoke Māori eco-experience where you’ll reconnect with the rhythms of the forest, guided by Māori women.
Step into the heart of the Waitākere Ranges, forage for native ingredients, craft teas and kai, 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 cultural insight.
“Ka whakaawhi i a Puke-hau-one;
Ka hoka Hine-rau-whārangi i konei i a ia,
Kia taha mai Ahuahu, ahua Te Puke-nui, ahua Te Puke-whakaki
There to embrace the Earth-mound-with-vitality-endowed;
Hine-the-maid-of-clustered-leaves will dance with joy,
Tend her with care, garner the harvest, store it until it overflows”
This private and intimate Māori eco-experience invites you to reconnect with the natural rhythms of the forest — a space for nourishment, shared stories, relaxation, and learning, guided by Māori women.
Hine-rau-whārangi — named for the delicate new growth of the forest — is a chance to step into the heart of the Waitākere Ranges and experience the land through Māori eyes.
This experience is about getting hands-on with the forest, gathering, tasting, listening, and understanding the relationship between Māori and the natural world.
We invite you to join us on a journey into the ngahere (forest) — one led with care and deep respect by Neria, your host and guide. Neria carries the knowledge of her tīpuna and the quiet strength of her mother that you sense from the moment you arrive.
Our commitment to sustainability means we are not only walking lightly on this land but actively working to restore the forest to her natural state.
After being welcomed into the ngahere, 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.
Neria will guide you in recognising and carefully collecting what you need, sharing how Māori have used these plants for generations in kai (food) and rongoā (healing).
After gathering what you need, you’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 Neria through the natural flow of the cooking process. It’s simple, honest 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 seasons and the knowledge passed down through generations.
Sharing food prepared with care and connection is central to Māori tradition, 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 Māori traditions or the history of Aotearoa, feel free to ask.
You’ll swap stories, share a few laughs, and come away with a deeper connection to the land and its people.
Your host
Neria Brewerton
Kaimanaaki
Neria is a wāhine Māori of Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Kahungunu descent, and her deep connection to the natural world shapes everything she does — from gathering plants to cooking and gardening.
Her curiosity about the world and its many stories creates a sense of wonder and openness.
Whether you’re learning about the forest’s gifts, sharing a meal, or hearing the stories of this land, you’ll feel the warmth of her knowledge and the joy she finds in connecting with others.
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 shortly.
Price: NZ$2375 for 1-2 people. Choose between lunch and dinner. Additional guests can be included and charged at the rates specified in our booking form. Private transport from the Auckland CBD can be booked as well. A helicopter transfer is available on request.
Lunch
Hotel pick up 10:15 am (if transfer requested)
Velskov arrival: 11 am
Velskov departure: 2:30pm
City hotel arrival: 3:15 pm
Dinner
Hotel pick up: 2:45 pm (if transfer requested)
Velskov arrival: 3:30pm
Velskov departure: 7:00 pm
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
1-8 people
Questions
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.