A'maze'ing opportunity for corny tourism business

An a’maze’ing opportunity to purchase a backyard business has cropped up in Hawke’s Bay.

Cal and Lesley Huddleston set up their business A Maze ‘n’ Fun in the summer of 2003/2004 - created from six hectares of maize grown especially on their property.

The giant corn labyrinth is open to the public from December until April each year, with a new pattern created each season.

Since taking to the field eight years ago, the Huddlestons have added a network of activities to the business. These include a Corn Cob Crazy Golf course where putters are made out of corn cobs, a 3D vortex tunnel experience and PuddlePad - an interactive water play area.

On Friday nights during summer a theatrical production called ‘Corn Evil’ is staged. A staff of 30, mostly actors, are strategically placed around the maze paths, with the aim of scaring visitors as they walk through the maze. An interactive theatre show called School of Scares also operates for those too young – or too scared – for Corn Evil.

A Maze ‘n’ Fun is located on a 20 hectare lifestyle block 6 km from Hastings, bordering the State Highway 2 Expressway Southern Extension which provides considerable traffic flow past the business.

The block includes 11 hectares of cropping land which is leased to an export onion grower, providing a certain income each year.

There is also a current resource consent expiring in 2023 to take water from a 100mm centrally located well for irrigation purposes.

The business and property is being marketed for sale by Bayleys and is up for tender closing 26 May. Bayleys Hawke’s Bay salesperson Louise Wake said the property would be perfect for people looking for lifestyle living and to run their own business from home.

Ms Wake said: “The owners have worked hard to create this business – from planting the first maize seeds in 2003 to the popular summer activity we see now.

“The business has potential scope for expansion and those with a bit of creative enthusiasm will be able to think of endless options to develop the property further.

“It’s a very unique opportunity to enjoy the country lifestyle as well as own and operate your own business from your property.”

The four-bedroom/two bathroom homestead, adjacent to the business, features large living areas with cathedral ceilings. It sits on a 4000 square metre section which has been extensively landscaped and includes a large organically produced edible area including vegetable garden and a varied orchard.

Situated to the rear of the homestead is a 164 square metre farm shed which provides for a workshop, small retail space and staff facilities. To the rear of this shed is 21 square metre building comprising of two public toilets and a small storage area.

Additional assets for sale with the business include a viewing tower, walking bridge, mist tunnel, a sign-written van, a website and database.