Nourishing Nature: NZ's first hotel-led regenerative travel experience

native forest farm

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.

On this half-day (4 hour) 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.

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How Your Regenerative Travel Experience Helps New Zealand

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.

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 forest farming.

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