Learn how to forage and identify edible plants from their look, touch, taste, and smell. During this 3-hour experience, your senses will be awakened with a tasting feast of indigenous plants.
Danish botanical artist Mamakan invites you to ponder roots, ancestry, and a sense of place and belonging.
Together, we celebrate wellness, art and cuisine in nature.
Each walk is bespoke, small and outdoors with plenty of space to indulge your senses.
The walk on Saturday afternoon ends with cocktails made with native forest plants on the artwork called 'GastroGeograpy,' originally presented at the National Museum of Singapore, now in Auckland for the first time.
A part art installation, part nature gathering, the Art of Foraging experience explores new dimensions of wisdom, wonder, and wellbeing.
Sessions
Saturday
- Morning 10-1 pm (adult-only group)
- Afternoon 2-6 pm (adult-only group, ending with 'GastroGeography' cocktails)
Sunday
- Morning 10-1 pm (family-friendly, children are welcome)
- Afternoon 2-5 pm (adult-only group)
Venue
Velskov is the name of a small native forest on a Parau hillside with spectacular views over the Waitakere ranges and Manukau harbour. Velskov means 'forest wellness' in Danish.
Tickets include all tastings of food and drinks, and a goody bag for you to take home. Proceeds will help fund the restoration and protection of the biodiversity of the Velskov forest.
RSVP Spaces are limited—book now. Questions are welcome on 027 220 9107 or hello@mamakan.com.
Reviews
"I thoroughly recommend this experience to young and old. I felt embarrassed that it had taken me the best part of 50 years to seek out this fascinating and practical information that enhances your connection with NZ flora. If we'relucky enough to live in paradise, the least we can do is make ourselves aware of the wonder that surrounds us! I was lucky to be given this as a birthday gift. It's truly the gift that will keep on giving now that my interest is piqued… and it's also my number one option for gifts to friends" - Michael Hall.
"I came away feeling very grounded and in awe of the native plants we live amongst. The smells and tastes we experienced were incredible. All beautiful magic potions! The potential in what you are offering is very inspiring. I loved the way you introduced each plant, like a very special friend, full of respect and appreciation. Such openness to sharing your knowledge and encouraging others to share their own. A very welcoming sense of "homecoming" opportunity for all of us, new migrants, visitors, and residents. I will be recommending The Art of Foraging to many special people". - Renee Tanner
"My time at Art of Foraging was transcendental. Connecting with the whenua via foraging created a new and fortified appreciation of our native species, which fed my wairua in a way that I needed. Mamakans' knowledge and excitement were infectious and incredibly helpful. I highly recommend this course to everyone; it has changed my life." - Natalie Jean Rogers.
"A reinvigorating encounter that captivates all of the senses. This made me realise the great multitude of amazing multi-purposed native plants surrounding us, whether at the local park or in the ancient national forests. Mamakan teaches through storytelling, and her own experiences engage you within a world that is more connected to nature. A grounding experience to reset from the disconnectedness of the modern age" - Frasier Cho
"The art of foraging is a wonderful experience that will stay with us for a long time. Learning about native plants and feeling connected to them was magical" - Jennifer Carter.
"Walking in the bush will never be the same again!" - D. Leong.