Support the Guardian

Available for everyone, funded by readers

A-maizing family fun

A-maizing family fun
Photo supplied

Tamar Farm is again opening its gates for the greater good when its annual Maize Maze opens in late January.

“We live in a great community, and that community is only good if everyone contributes, so this is our contribution, and we wanted to raise money as a team," says Tamar Farm owner Richard Wright.

The Wrights have farmed at the Mt Somers property for twenty-five years, during which time the farm has grown to a 2000-hectare beef, cropping, and lamb finishing operation with three dairy units and dairy support.

The Maize Maze has been created on three hectares of crop, and Wright said it should take most people 40 minutes to complete.

That's not the only challenge, though.

"We have done a design, and people will have to guess what is as they walk around.

"People had to find certain coordinates last year, and we will do that again this year."

Those who are successful could be sorted for the weekend barbecue with a Tamar Beef meat pack up for grabs for those who solve the puzzle.

The maze isn’t just for puzzle lovers – there’s a spine-chilling twist.

Horror maze evenings will return this year, where members of the Tamar Farm team, along with a group of actors, don their full fright-night gear to terrify brave maze walkers.

"They were a big drawcard last year; we had 600 people through in two hours."

The maze will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from the end of January from 12 pm.

Afternoon entry fees are $10 for adults, $5 for children, and $10 for the night-time horror maze.

"We are trying to promote a cheap, fun day out for families."

Proceeds from the event will go to Hato Hone St John.

Last year's maze raised $20,000 for the organisation.

Wright said the event is geared toward families, with the paths through the maze suitable for pushing a pram.

"Last year, it was great to have the whole family come out on a Sunday afternoon, especially the little kids.

"It's affordable, simple, fun."

Start dates, location and event information can be found on the Tamar Farm Facebook page.

The event follows on from the Tamar Party in the Paddock, a mini-Glastonbury-style music festival that aimed to raise money for the Opuke Innovation Hub at Mt Hutt College held on the farm in November.

By Claire Inkson