A high country station with significant size and scale in Marlborough that has been faithfully farmed by the same family for three generations is being offered to the market for sale.
Upton Fells Station, located in Awatere Valley, only 55km from Blenheim’s CBD, encompasses 7,857ha of freehold land and is known for its fine merino wool production and beef breeding operation.
With such an expansive landholding, there are multiple options to expand the current revenue streams, including unrivalled hunting, tourism opportunities, and further development.
The well-balanced property ranges from irrigated workable downs to strong clean productive limestone tussock country and elevated peaks rising to 1,250 metres above sea level (MASL), with the majority of the property being under 850 MASL.
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Year-round running natural water, several stands of native matai, totara, and beech trees, coupled with the surrounding landscapes, including the majestic Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku, add to the natural beauty, solitude, and ambience of the property.
An area spanning approximately 1,500ha of regenerating indigenous natives has been identified as being potentially eligible for the Emissions Trading Scheme and is awaiting MPI approval, possibly adding another major income stream to the property.
From a livestock perspective, the beef herd is based on Rissington bloodlines with calves sold to annual buyers, a true testament to the genetics and performance of the station-bred cattle and part of the merino wool clip supplied to a high-end Italian fashion company.
Andy Poswillo, Director at Colliers Marlborough, has been exclusively appointed to market the property for sale via tender with the deadline for offers closing at 2pm on Friday 1 December.
“This large high country station has been carefully maintained and farmed across multiple generations with an extensive level of care taken,” Poswillo says.
“Now is the time for a new owner to take over stewardship of this significant piece of land that forms a considerable part of the tightly held rural Marlborough landscape.
“We expect a property of this nature to attract a good level of interest due to its sizeable freehold tenure, location, and the fact it is one of the few high country stations offered to the market for some time. Properties of this calibre are seldom available.”
The well-established farming infrastructure includes a six-bedroom homestead with tennis court, inground pool, and separate staff accommodation. There is also a six-stand woolshed with 1800-night pen capacity, workshop, implement sheds, and sheep and cattle yards.
There are multiple huts and sheep and cattle facilities strategically located on the station with well-formed 4WD tracks throughout providing good access and ease of stock movement.
Poswillo says the long-term prospects for the property are incredibly exciting due to the development opportunities that can be explored in a range of sectors that will complement the existing income streams.
“There are extensive hunting opportunities on the property and given the popularity of the South Island and New Zealand’s international reputation for offering picturesque landscapes, there is potential to explore tourism opportunities through a boutique accommodation offering.
“The Marlborough region, which is known to experience high levels of sunshine hours, is home to more than 150 wineries and the area has year-round tourist attractions that draw people to this popular location.”
- Article supplied by Colliers
