Welcome to Velskov, a unique venue that beautifully integrates nature with sensory and sustainable experiences.
“Wanted to pop by and say thanks again for the most beautiful experience last week, to say our guests (and the BMW client) were in awe of Velskov would be a total understatement – your pit stop was a truly tranquil and transformative activity to conclude the day, and we were stoked to have you as a valued partner.”
The Piwakawaka Pavilion
Our architecturally designed Piwakawaka Pavilion serves as the main meeting space. The pavilion typically accommodates up to 20 guests, with tables for 16 people for sit-down meetings and up to 24 people for presentations or performances. This sheltered space protects visitors from harsh sun, rain, and wind while offering stunning views of the sky and forest. The glass roof collects rainwater for hand and dishwashing, enhancing our commitment to sustainability.
Collaborative Atmosphere
At Velskov, collaboration is at the heart of our philosophy. We celebrate the strength of collective contributions, whether through sharing homemade dishes, enjoying a bottle of wine, or engaging in culinary activities. Eco-conscious endeavours such as tree planting and weeding further enrich our community spirit. Our renowned wood-fired BBQ fosters camaraderie among guests, enhancing team dynamics.
Embracing the Outdoors
We invite you and your guests to immerse yourselves in the natural beauty surrounding our venue. The picturesque backdrop of our weather-proof forest pavilion creates a positive atmosphere for productive work and encourages outdoor gatherings.
Authentic Fire Cooking
Experience the essence of New Zealand with an outdoor meal cooked over an open fire. Our firewood is sustainably harvested from our on-site plantation of 200 Australian gum trees. We prioritize local food and beverages, featuring native produce from Velskov Forest Farm, while adhering to plastic-free procurement policies. Food waste is repurposed as chicken feed.
Thinking Space
Need a moment to reflect? Our three-water thinking space harnesses calming views of the sky, fresh water, and the sea, providing a serene environment for processing ideas and thoughts.
Sensory Bushwalks
Explore the 10 acres of regenerating native forest, featuring rustic tracks for short and longer bush walks. Break-out spaces are available for smaller groups, and we offer walk-and-talk options to inspire fresh ideas.
Compostable portaloo
Guests appreciate our eco-friendly compostable portaloo, crafted from recycled water containers and wood. We provide refillable, locally-made restroom amenities and organic cotton supplies for your comfort.
Venue Booking Rates
Your booking includes the venue, insurance, free parking and a dedicated host on-site. Catering, drinks, activities, and group transport are available as extras.
Half-Day Venue Rental (up to 3 1/2 hours):
NZ$ 1550 ex GST
Full-Day Venue Rental (up to 7 hours):
NZ$ 2150 ex GST
Regenerative
With a steadfast commitment to being nature-positive, every event hosted at Velskov is designed with a positive impact on the environment. Striving for carbon positivity, we champion biodiversity to support local food security and local employment opportunities through our forest farm.
Velskov is powered by the sun, the rain, and the trees.
Our produce and herbs are harvested by hand.
0% pesticides 0% fertilizers. 0% electricity use.
Proceeds raised from farm visits pay for weed and pest control to help the native forest regenerate.
100% of our water use is harvested rainwater on-site.
100% of the firewood and the mulch we use is harvested on the farm.
100% Off-grid. Our future is solar.
From forest to table. Food and drinks we serve have been prepared by local chefs using New Zealand ingredients and edible native herbs from our forest farm.
0% food waste. Any food waste is a great feed for our farm chickens.
80% of furniture and fittings are recycled or made by local craftsmen using resources from New Zealand.
The toilet is a contemporary and bespoke composting toilet made of recycled water cans from New Zealand farms.
Our tables and benches are repainted and recycled furniture from the Munich Beerfest. Bench covers are made from possum pest skins or old fur coats.
Local craftsmen did the initial earthworks on a site full of weeds. The lowest gravel layer was laid with recycled cement from building sites.
Our coffee and cocktail table is re-purposed and used to be part of an art installation at the National Museum of Singapore.
Temporary and flexible fixtures. Many fixtures are handmade using cement cinder blocks that can easily be recycled elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Leadership Education
Creative Workshops: Blue-sky thinking, creativity and expansion of horizon meetings, literally
Co-creation Workshops
Culture and Capacity Building
End-of-the-year gatherings (any time of the year)
Celebrate the success of a team
Hosting foreign clients or colleagues
Wellbeing + Retreat Days
Sustainability in action, Giving back to nature, Volunteer Days
Meaningful People Connections
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Meetings where you need a projector, or where it is impossible to present by talking, handouts and notes.
Meetings where you don’t want to be distracted by beauty
Aggressive meetings, although they would improve by being surrounded by nature
Internal, fast-track Office meetings
Online Only meetings (Zoom etc.)
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Yes
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In case of rain, our Bush Boardroom is sheltered and dry. Should there be severe weather warnings in place, the meeting will be rescheduled.
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Any season works perfectly. In case of cold weather, we have blankets, fire, and hot tea ready for everyone.
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Velskov typically hosts up to 20 people at a time. Our covered venue can comfortably suit 16 people for a sit-down meeting and 24 people for a presentation/performance.
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Sorry. We are unable to provide accommodation in the forest. However, we collaborate with excellent hotel partners who can offer overnight stays for you and your guests
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No. One of the main points of hosting business meetings here is to let people connect face-to-face, not through a screen. We have blackboards for collective note-taking. And bird soon.
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One way to offset your carbon footprint is by planting indigenous edible trees at Velskov. This hands-on approach is not only effective but also allows you to track the growth of your trees. You can also participate in our forest mushroom pilot project, weeding, and pest control activities.
The original ecosystem at Velskov consisted of Kauri, Podocarp, and Native Broadleaf trees. Due to logging, burning, and grazing, many of these original trees and plants are now absent. We are working to reintroduce them to restore this once magnificent ancient wonderland.
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Our efforts in forest restoration at Velskov have led to a growth in the population of native birds and wildlife.
The return of birds (and bats) also brings seeds, further enhancing the biodiversity in the area.
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Velskov is located 25 km west of Auckland CBD, which usually takes 35 minutes by car.
In our commitment to sustainability, we encourage carpooling or renting an electric van for transportation to and from Velskov.
If needed, we are here to assist with the arrangements.
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Yes, just select a suitable time on www.velskov.com/visit.
For further questions please email mamakan@mamakan.com or call +64 0272209107.