Cedel Downs Sunflower Patch, West Auckland. Photo: RNZ
A family business that started out as a cattle farm has turned itself into a picturesque sunflower patch - and made one of Auckland's most popular tourist destinations this summer.
Co-owner Chris Flaunty believed he may have created "the happiest place in New Zealand". His 350-acre Cedel Downs Sunflower Patch, located in West Auckland's Massey, is a sight to behold from the moment you enter.
"Everyone is just so happy when they leave here," Flaunty said. "It's pretty hard not to be."
"My favourite thing is seeing everybody leave with grins ear-to-ear. They're smiling with a couple flowers they've picked to take home."
For Flaunty, the sunflower patch was a family affair. The business was established in 1972, initially breeding Hereford and Belgium Cattle. Then it turned into a commercial beef fattening farm.
In 2023, the family had the idea to expand it a sunflower patch after being inspired by similar patches Flaunty saw overseas.
Now, visitors from around the motu can enjoy the picturesque sunflower patch during their summer outings.
Chris Flaunty (L) at Cedel Downs Sunflower Patch. Photo: RNZ
Flaunty said his daughter, Hannah, ran their social media page down in Wellington while other family members in Auckland helped out on the farm.
"Dad who turns 80 this year, he's our parking warden and my sister looks after the entry tent," Flaunty said.
He also credited his mum, who cooked hot meals after the whānau had spent a long day out in the patch.
Flaunty joked that starting the sunflower patch was "my idea unfortunately".
But fortunately for the family, the expansion of the farm into a sunflower patch has worked out - gaining traction from the general public who want to experience the fresh country air and the flourishing flowers.
Asked how he chose sunflowers for his patch, Flaunty said the flower was "much prettier looking and easier to control the size of it with its spacing".
The sunflowers were planted last year in November over four weekends, with family spending time together to grow and nurture the flowers.
Flaunty said it has been great family bonding.
"It lifted everybody, and it's been fun working with the family on a project like this."
The sunflowers are around for a limited time with the sunflower patch closing up on Tuesday - once the flowers have perished, Flaunty said they would be putting electric fences in "and 250 cattle's head will come and graze off different sections".
In the meantime, tickets to Cedel Downs Sunflower Patch can be purchased on Eventfinda for the last little dose of summer happiness.
