Les and Tracey Scott took on Round Hill Station in 2002 after previously farming further north in the Mackenzie Country and at higher altitude.

“Up to purchasing Round Hill I’d been in the high country all my working life. After that, Round Hill looked like a place I could spend the rest of my farming career. It’s reasonably easy country for its altitude, every hectare is usable, and there was plenty of potential for development,” says Les.

At 2793 hectares, Round Hill Station is at Cattle Creek, Hakataramea Valley, 49 kilometres north of Kurow, 105 kilometres north west of Oamaru and 57 kilometres south of Lake Tekapo, ranging from 580 to 1016 metres above sea level.

Les reckons altitude is Round Hill’s main distinguishing factor.

“You work around it, trading the shoulders of the seasons. We carry the previous year’s lambs into the following spring, taking three kilograms of wool per head off each lamb, shorn to meet Merino NZ wool contracts, then sell most of them as stores straight off the shears when demand is usually at its strongest, averaging between $130 and $150 per head. This creates good cashflow. If we run a few less ewes and winter the halfbred lambs, selling terminal lambs after weaning and buying in trading stock as the season allows in late spring, this creates flexibility in times of high feed demand.”

Under Les and Tracey’s tenure, development has been at the fore.

“We have put in more than 40 kilometres of fencing. Initially we bought our own post driver and did about 20 kilometres in a short time with a contractor, since then we’ve done a couple of kilometres each year. We’ve also developed around 350 hectares of paddocks, including cultivating the better land. Initially there wasn’t much you could make hay or silage off. Our plan was to create a fruit bowl, enabling us to make silage for stock, so we could lift performance. That has ensured better lambings and increased our wool weights,” says Les.

Having spent two decades dedicated to the property, for succession reasons Les and Tracey have decided to sell: with three adult children, all making their own way in agriculture, realising Round Hill Station’s equity shapes as the best way to help each of the next generation take the next step. As Les puts it: giving them a fair crack.

John Sinnamon of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Oamaru is presenting Round Hill Station to the market. He describes it as a genuine mid-altitude extensive property.

“Round Hill comprises a significant portion of flat downland country around the homestead at relatively lower altitude, with the balance in medium to mild and steeper contour. It has a solid history of sheep, including fine wool, and beef, and has run deer.

“Situated mid-point on the Hakataramea Road on the north-eastern side of the property, the Round Hill homestead is an attractive, well positioned four bedroom dwelling, incorporating a portion of the original residence. In recent years the homestead has undergone extensive alterations and additions, with spacious open plan living and decks giving outdoor living options with uninterrupted views,” says John.

Les says more development is still an option.

“There is always room for more fencing, plus fertiliser on the hill country, where huge potential can yet be realised. There are definite options that would enable increased stock numbers and lift lamb weights.

“Tourism potential in Hakataramea is also rising, bringing cyclists through the valley regularly, while the hunting and fishing nearby is excellent, so offering accommodation should work well if a new owner were to commit to that,” he says.

A new owner will also walk into what Les and Tracey will most miss.

“Cattle Creek has a wonderful community based around the Cattle Creek Hall where various community functions are held involving all generations, something you don’t see in every rural district these days. We enjoy welcoming back local children who have moved away when they come back to the likes of local Christmas parties.

“Another great asset to the district is the Cattle Creek rural fire crew based at the station by the hall, as is the Hakataramea Sustainability Collective set up by local farmers to protect the valley environment by promoting sustainable farming practices: a solid lobby group for farming in the area.

“Hakataramea is a great part of the world, and the people make it,” says Les.