Roger Moroney FROM the air it is like a scene out of the mysterious corn-circles chronicles, but upon closer inspection of the patterns it is clearly the result of imaginative Kiwi hands.
A giant Buzzy Bee, a rugby player, a bunch of grapes, blazing sun, a hokey pokey ice-cream, the silver fern and even the iconic Edmonds "Sure to Rise" building ... they're all there.
And they are all waiting to be explored from today as the owners of the Amazing Maizen Maize at Longlands Rd in Hastings unveil their latest themed maze.
It is a Boxing Day tradition for Lesley and Cal Huddleston to open the gates to their latest annual creation, which last year attracted more than 20,000 visitors and won the Hawke's Bay Tourism Attraction of the Year.
The theme for this summer season was selected for its wide appeal and iconic national status.
"We have a young family and know that children enjoy distinctly New Zealand things," Mr Huddleston said.
"Kiwiana is studied in every primary and intermediate school as part of the curriculum. These are real symbols of NZ. We're proud to be Kiwi."
The maze changes shape and theme every year in the Huddlestons' quest to keep it challenging. They predict it will take visitors 45 minutes to find their way through the 8km of track, although the shortest route is 800m. Assistance is available via a map or from one of the stationed "lifeguards".
As well, the Huddlestons have introduced a 3D vortex tunnel and a mist tunnel "to cool families down during hot days".
* The Amazing Maizen Maize is open seven days a week from 10am-6pm until April, weather permitting.