Step into the sun-dappled shade of New Zealand’s lush rainforest
for an immersive sensory experience where conservation, cuisine
and community come together.
Overview
On our half-day (4-hour) Nourishing Nature experience, you’ll head to the beautiful Waitakere Ranges - just 40minutes from Central Auckland - to visit our ‘natural forest farm’ that’s taking traditional 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, you’ll discover the unique flavours of the forest in a spectacular open-air glasshouse in the forest.
Later, you’ll choose a native tree sapling* to plant as your contribution to restoring the forest, and to stand as a living marker of your visit to Aotearoa New Zealand and go on a sensory bush walk. *or seasonal variation such as forest mushroom log inoculation.
Every aspect of the Nourishing Nature experience is designed to be light on the earth and connect to the community in a meaningful way. You’ll travel in an electric vehicle, taste forest produce and learn about local customs, all the while supporting a regenerative business.
The tasting is suitable for pescatarians, vegetarians, gluten-free and halal diets. However, please note that most of the farm produce tasters are not prepared as vegan dishes.
NZ $439pp
Half-day tour (4 hours), including return transport from Auckland CBD and tasters.
Minimum of 2 guests to confirm.
Availability:
Tuesdays and Thursdays
9am – 1pm and 1.30pm – 5.30pm
Bookings essential
There are two departure times per day on Tuesdays and Thursdays for up to just 6 guests per experience
Regenerative Travel
Regenerative Travel is a new concept that goes beyond sustainable travel.
While sustainable travel focuses on minimising the negative impacts of tourism, regenerative travel aims to leave a positive impact on the destination.
It’s social-led, instead of product-led, and allows visitors to forge a lasting connection.
- Albert Einstein
Inclusions
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, artisan cheeses, meats, and breads 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 or seasonal variation such as mushroom log inoculation.
Cancellations
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
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.
What should I bring?
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.
Can we bring kids?
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
Can you cater for special dietary requirements?
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 at hebe@velskov.com. The tasting is suitable for pescatarians, vegetarians, gluten-free and halal diets. However, please note that most farm produce tasters are not prepared as vegan dishes.
Do I needs to be physically mobile?
Yes, guests need to be physically mobile and fit for a short walk through the forest. Unfortunately, the bush walk is not suitable for wheelchair access, but we can create a private visit. Please contact us.
Does the four hours include drive time?
Yes, the total tour duration is four hours, which includes the 45-minute drive each way from The Hotel Britomart to Velskov.
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