Taking a brief break among the stunning 15ha paddock of tulips on the Dacre-Lorneville Rd, are, from left, Horizon Flowers New Zealand staff Tansy Thompson and Megan Williams.
Operations manager Rudi Verplancke said it was the only chance of the year for the public to get close to the flowers.
‘‘People call me every day asking to visit here, but we are not a tourist attraction — we are a business.’’
Mr Verplancke said the event also was a fundraiser for the Edendale Presbyterian Church, Edendale Scouts and Wyndham Pioneer Lions Club.
‘‘It is a day to celebrate the community and also the start of our export season.’’
He said his farm was the country’s largest tulip bulb producer, with about 100ha of tulips. It exports around 45 million each year.
About 80% of the bulbs would go to the United States and the rest to Holland, Norway, Finland and Russia, Mr Verplancke said.
Tulips in full bloom near Edendale are inspected before harvest. An open day was held at the weekend. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY
