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T +64 9 300 9595

E reservations@thehotelbritomart.com

29 Galway Street, Britomart

Gifting
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Nourishing Nature - A Regenerative Travel Experience (6) | The Hotel Britomart

Nourishing Nature:
A Regenerative Travel Experience

Welcome to The Hotel Britomart’s first Regenerative Travel partnership! We’ve joined forces with our friends at Velskov to create an experience for people who want to leave a lasting positive impact in the place they’ve come to explore.

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 gives guests the opportunity to forge a lasting connection.

Nourishing Nature - A Regenerative Travel Experience (7) | The Hotel Britomart
Nourishing Nature - A Regenerative Travel Experience (9) | The Hotel Britomart
Nourishing Nature - A Regenerative Travel Experience (11) | The Hotel Britomart
Nourishing Nature - A Regenerative Travel Experience (23) | The Hotel Britomart
Nourishing Nature - A Regenerative Travel Experience (22) | The Hotel Britomart
Nourishing Nature - A Regenerative Travel Experience (18) | The Hotel Britomart

Nourishing Nature: A Native Forest Farm Experience

Step into the sun-dappled shade of New Zealand’s lush native rainforest for an immersive sensory experience where conservation, cuisine and community come together. ...

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Nourishing Nature: A Native Forest Farm Experience

Step into the sun-dappled shade of New Zealand’s lush native rainforest for an immersive sensory experience where conservation, cuisine and community come together.

On our half-day (9am - 2:30pm) Nourishing Nature experience, you’ll head to the beautiful Waitakare Ranges to visit a ‘native forest farm’ that’s taking traditional native 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 these traditional foods alongside artisan cheeses, meats and breads in a spectacular open-air glasshouse in the forest. Your host will serve herbaceous drinks and cook over an open fire while you enjoy the sight and sound of native birds in the trees and learn more about local customs.

Later, you’ll choose a native sapling* — grown from seed at The Hotel Britomart’s sister property, The Landing — to plant as your contribution to restoring the forest, and to stand as a living marker of your visit to Aotearoa New Zealand.
*or seasonal variation such as forest 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, eat community -sourced produce and learn about local customs, all the while supporting small businesses.

Price | $799 NZD for 2 people. Includes guided ecological activities, native tea tasting, co-cooking lunch, and a dedicated tree planting

Transport | $110 per person for an electric taxi return transfer (minimum 2 people).  Guests also have the option to self-drive to Velskov forest.  Parking is available at no cost but there is a 5-minute uphill walk from the parking area to the forest.

Wednesdays| 9am – 2.30pm

Advance bookings essential | Bookings will be confirmed 48 hours prior to departure with payment required also 48 hours in advance.

Corporate enquiries | For tours tailored to alternate dates, times and attendee numbers please enquire with events@thehotelbritomart.com.

Experience created in partnership with Velskov

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Nourishing Nature - A Regenerative Travel Experience (10) | The Hotel Britomart
Nourishing Nature - A Regenerative Travel Experience (16) | The Hotel Britomart
Nourishing Nature - A Regenerative Travel Experience (14) | The Hotel Britomart
Nourishing Nature - A Regenerative Travel Experience (20) | The Hotel Britomart

How Your Regenerative Travel Experience Helps New Zealand

From community engagement, economic empowerment and education - you'll actively contribute to making a positive impact during your visit. Community Engagement: You’l...

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How Your Regenerative Travel Experience Helps New Zealand

From community engagement, economic empowerment and education - you'll actively contribute to making a positive impact during your visit.

Community Engagement: You’ll actively engage with and contribute to the local community during your visit, supporting local businesses, and respecting local customs and traditions.

Environmental Conservation: You'll leave a positive impact on the environment, through foraging, understanding the environment and tree-planting.

Cultural Respect: You'll learn local customs and traditions and practice cultural sensitivity during your visit.

Economic Empowerment: You’re benefiting local economies by supporting small businesses, local artisans, and this community project.

Education and Awareness: You’ll learn about the native forest you are visiting and the importance of reforestation as well as the challenges and opportunities of native food farming.

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Nourishing Nature - A Regenerative Travel Experience (2) | The Hotel Britomart
Nourishing Nature - A Regenerative Travel Experience (1) | The Hotel Britomart
Nourishing Nature - A Regenerative Travel Experience (4) | The Hotel Britomart
Nourishing Nature - A Regenerative Travel Experience (17) | The Hotel Britomart

About Velskov

Velskov is a native forest farm, possibly a modern day first of its kind in New Zealand. They grow food regeneratively in a biodiverse native forest in Auckland. Forest f...

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About Velskov

Velskov is a native forest farm, possibly a modern day first of its kind in New Zealand. They grow food regeneratively in a biodiverse native forest in Auckland. Forest farming is a type of agroforestry, and they don’t cut down any trees for timber.

On 10 acres of land, Velskov grow edible native plants among a thriving wildlife population. Their fresh native herbs, fungi, and produce are shared with sustainable luxury hotels and restaurants across Auckland.

The forest farm hosts private, bespoke farm visits for sustainable businesses and eco-luxury travelers supporting conservation efforts. Every farm visit helps to unlock the power of regenerative climate action: reforestation, and restoration
of biodiversity.

Velskov works to preserve Aotearoa New Zealand’s original forests and to re-establish people's connection with nature through sensory activities that spread knowledge of the local environment and promote the sustainable use of its resources.

Velskov founder and host Mamakan is originally from Aarhus, Denmark of nordic Vølve-Viking decent and has deep Scandinavian roots from her Kimbri, Frisii and Daner ancestors.

Velskov (Danish) refers to the well-being and prosperity of a forest, as in well + forest.

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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. Due to the outdoor nature of this tour, children under 12 cannot participate. There are no discounted rates for participants under 18. If you have special requests for a private tour, please contact us.

Can you cater for 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, and we will advise Velskov.

What is included in the experience?

9:00 AM — Pickup from the City. Private electric transfer to Velskov Forest (pickup outside The Hotel Britomart), or selfdrive if you choose.
9:45 AM — Arrival & Welcome Briefing. Gather with tea made from native herbs. Overview of the day and safety check-in.
10:15 AM — Educational talk, Foraging and Tree Planting. Walking down into the forest and learn about the New Zealand Native Rainforest and it’s seven layers. Plant and name your native tree and participate in a short intention-setting or gratitude moment.
11:30 PM — Co-Cooked Fire Lunch. Create and share a simple meal around the fire, using seasonal and indigenous ingredients — stories of the land, the work, and the people who protect it.
1:30 PM — Wrap-Up. Closing thoughts and group farewell
2:30 PM — Back in the city

Do I need to be physically mobile?

Yes, guests need to be physically mobile and fit for a short walk through the forest. Unfortunately, the native forest farm is not suitable for wheelchair access.

Can I arrange my own transport?

Yes, guests have the option to self-drive to Velskov forest. Please note that parking is free and that there is a 5-minute uphill walk from the parking area to the forest.

How long is the drive time?

The drive is approximately 45-minutes each way from The Hotel Britomart to Velskov.

Are there bathrooms?

Yes, there is a compostable toilet available for use at the off-grid native forest farm.

Can I cancel the tour?

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.

Do you take corporate bookings?

Yes, for tours tailored to alternate dates, times and attendee numbers please enquire with events@thehotelbritomart.com.

Who is the operator?

The tour is managed and promoted by The Hotel Britomart and operated by Velskov.