Velskov
Welcome to the botanical art practice of Mamakan at Velskov, where art, ecology, and wellness intertwine. Her work is rooted in the philosophy of "GastroEcology"—a deeply sensory approach to rewilding ourselves and our environments by reconnecting with the native biodiversity of Aotearoa. For Open Studios Waitākere 2026, she invites you to step into a living, breathing artwork: a multisensory exploration of our native forests.
At the heart of Velskov is the 9-Layer Forest Tea experience. This restorative botanical blend models the vertical ecosystem of a New Zealand forest, from the grounding on the forest floor to the emergent reaching for the sky. Each carefully chosen layer offers unique wellness benefits, designed to calm the nervous system and nourish the gut microbiome.
Beyond the tasting experience, Mamakan's practice encourages you to take this deep connection home. Discover how to cultivate your own 1 x 1 metre backyard tea garden using eco-sourced, hyper-local native plants. Join her at Velskov to taste, touch, and learn how we can grow our own wellness while restoring the beautiful regional biodiversity of Waitākere.
Visitors can expect:
Demonstration of your practice, View of works in progress, Hands-on activity for visitors, Refreshments
Map Number
Days
Saturday and Sunday
Address
‘Velskov’
627 Huia Road
Parau
Hidden down a driveway, right-of-way or shared access
Accessibility
Uneven ground
Toilet available for visitors
Seating available
Step-free entry
Parking
Google "Velskov Lower Parking" and walk up the driveway (2 minutes) and turn right on the small gravel path.
Family-Friendly
Suitable for children of all ages
Payment Options
Bank transfer, Cash
Open Studios Waitākere is produced by Lightbox Projects and proudly supported by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board.
Contact details
© 2026 Open Studios Waitākere.