Olrig Station is a farming enterprise in Hawke’s Bay with nearly 170 years of history.
Comprising 846.95ha across two titles, the exceptionally well-developed property benefits from years of investment that has shaped it into a highly productive farming platform.
The top-tier sheep and beef finishing farm, which recently incorporated the Halter virtual fencing system to improve operational efficiency, offers an excellent balance of contour from high-quality cropping flats to easy rolling hills.
A significant water storage and irrigation consent covering approximately 266ha of favourable contour also exists, providing scope to unlock further potential from the property.
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The thoughtful development of Olrig beyond its core farming operation has seen approximately 105ha of land registered within the Emissions Trading Scheme, some of which includes areas of production forestry to maximise the value of less productive land.
At the heart of the station, occupying its own title, is the stunning 340sq m four-bedroom homestead that was extensively renovated under the direction of well-known architect Simon Clarkson in 2021 to retain its original character while delivering modern functionality.
Originally constructed in the 1900s, the homestead is surrounded by established grounds and complemented by a tennis court, providing an enviable setting for country living and entertaining.
The original shearers quarters have been transformed into character-filled Airbnb accommodation, while the renovated manager’s accommodation provides a high standard of living to attract and retain quality staff.
Adding another distinctive dimension is a game bird consent to liberate up to 20,000 pheasants annually for commercial hunting.
Located at 1233 Kereru Road, Maraekakaho, Hastings, approximately 40 minutes from Hawke’s Bay Airport, the farm is now available for purchase.
The landholding sits within one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions, renowned for its vineyards, cellar doors, and world-class hospitality experiences, while some of Hawke’s Bay’s highly regarded private schools are nearby.
Hadley Brown, Director of Rural at Colliers Hawke’s Bay, has been exclusively appointed to market the property for sale via tender closing at 2pm on Wednesday 14 October (plus GST if any).
The history of Olrig Station dates back to 1859 when Scottish-born Hector W.P. Smith acquired approximately 8,000 acres of land around Mangatahi and expanded the holding over time with his three brothers.
After the Seddon Government compulsorily acquired the front half of Olrig Station in 1906, brothers Charles and Hector Smith were left with the less-developed portion of the property and rebuilt the station’s infrastructure and buildings, many of which remain today.
The wider property was eventually divided between the Smith brothers, and the southern block became known as Olrig Station.
Descendants of the Smith family farmed Olrig Station for six generations before it was purchased by the current vendors in 2018.
Investment in infrastructure, systems, and technology has enabled Olrig to operate efficiently with minimal labour units.
Brown says with its combination of productive scale, advanced farming technology, substantial infrastructure, irrigation potential, diversified income opportunities, and impressive accommodation, Olrig Station is an exceptional Hawke’s Bay holding.
“Significant redevelopment has included quality fencing, an upgraded water system, pasture renewal, farm infrastructure, drainage, and improved access,” Brown says.
“Together, these improvements have provided flexibility to successfully run multiple farming policies with minimal labour requirements, making this an incredibly efficient operation that will appeal to investors as one of the most impressive rural assets that will be brought to the open market in Hawke’s Bay this year.”
- Supplied by Colliers
