This innovative offering immerses guests in New Zealand’s stunning native bush, providing a sensory adventure that benefits both the planet and the local community.
A Journey into Nature
Catering to the increasing number of travellers who consider the environmental and social impacts of their trips, the half-day, four-hour experience takes guests to a ‘native forest farm.’
Here, they learn to harvest native herbs and plants, which are later used in a delicious tasting session. The visit also educates participants on local traditions and demonstrates how reforesting native bush supports New Zealand’s rich biodiversity.
To bring this experience to life, The Hotel Britomart has partnered with Velskov, a regenerative native forest farm located in Parau, 25km west of Auckland’s CBD.
Guests make the 45-minute journey to Velskov’s native forest farm in an electric van. At the farm, they are taught to forage native foods, understand the taste qualities and traditional uses of native herbs and plants, learn about local customs and culture, and plant a native tree.
Not only does the tree planting restore the forest, sequester carbon, it serves as a lasting marker of guest’s visit to New Zealand.
Commitment to Conservation
Clinton Farley, General Manager of The Hotel Britomart, emphasises the importance of the tourism industry’s role in conservation and its impact on local communities.
“The tourism industry has an important part to play in conservation and the impacts on local communities, especially as we head towards New Zealand’s goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Regenerative travel is an important space for us, and we see our partnership with Velskov as an opportunity to help our guests learn more about sustainability and give back in a small way to the communities they are visiting. We hope by taking part in this tour, our guests will gain a better understanding of the importance of regenerating native forests and take that knowledge back home.”
The Nourishing Nature Experience
The Hotel Britomart’s new offering is more than just a travel experience—it’s a commitment to sustainability and community support.
The experience is available Tuesdays and Thursdays 09:00am – 1:00pm and 1:30pm – 5:30pm.
Advance bookings are essential. Visit their website for more information.
