Nestled in the heartland of Southland’s spectacular landscape, a highly productive and diverse farming operation is a testament to seven decades of commitment to rural development and sustainable practices.

The owners’ family have farmed in Southland for more than 70 years, developing their gently undulating landscape into an efficient operation with deer, beef, sheep, grazing and forestry interests.

Flanked by the Oreti and Aparima Rivers, with a vantage to the stunning Southern Alps and the Fiordland National Park at the doorstep, the 1,151ha (more or less) farm is a seldom available, large-scale opportunity.

It is now being marketed for sale by Bayleys Country & Co salesperson Paula Laughton via a rural tender process, closing at 2:00pm on Wednesday, 20th March 2024 (unless sold prior).

Laughton says opportunities of this scale and magnitude are rare in such a prized location, with value underpinned by a diverse income stream and three well-presented family homes.

“Originally spanning more than 5,000ha, the landholding was reduced to its current size in the early 1980s, allowing the custodians to focus on high-value farming and production methods.

“A dairy grazing history and healthy stock interest are appealing credentials, presenting the property as an unmatched opportunity for a new owner,” she says.

The farm at 409 Castle Downs Road in Dipton features approximately 850ha of well-subdivided paddock country, 100ha of planted trees and 200ha of tussock swamp.

“The property has been subdivided into around 115 paddocks, including trees and swamp terrain. There are approximately 100 main grazed paddocks, one hill grazing block, and a range of holding paddocks, which facilitate effective pasture management and overall farm output,” Laughton says.

The contour is balanced, mainly flat, with a medium roll in areas and approximately 600ha of deer fencing, with the balance in sheep and cattle fencing.

Two roads provide easy internal access and manoeuvrability for stock, and there are more than nine kilometres of council road access via Dipton Mossburn Road and Castle Downs Road.

“On site, there are three well-presented and large family homes in excellent condition, having been lovingly maintained over the years, says Laughton.

The family built a picturesque five-bedroom homestead in 1959, recently renovated and set amongst established and sheltered gardens.

A second home, on an elevated site, was built in 1991 and features five bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a modern standard over 290sqm (more or less). The third dwelling is a 1960s brick and tile home with four bedrooms and a 320sqm (more or less) floorplate, also very comfortable and modern.

“The multiple dwelling structure offers ample opportunity for farm management and support staff to reside on site. Equally, the sale could represent the start of a new family legacy, with several generations able to take residence across the homes.”

The property is supported by further infrastructure comprising a six-stand flat board woolshed which can hold approximately 1,200 woolly ewes, two sets of sheep yards, cattle yards, deer yards and assorted implement and hay sheds.

Current stock comprises velveting stags, red hinds and yearling deer, Angus beef cows and breeding bulls, in addition to ewes, hoggets and lambs.

Crop yields include kale, swedes and turnips, with baleage, hay and silage produced on-farm.

“A strong development programme of regrassing and drainage has been a focus to increase productivity on the farm successfully,” says Laughton.

Located some 15 kilometres west of Dipton, the property gains State Highway access to Invercargill and Queenstown, offering a superb lifestyle proposition for families. Lake Te Anau and Manapouri are also only a short 45-minute drive.

“The heart of Central Southland, Winton, is less than a half-hour drive away. Winton offers all farming and social needs, making this an excellent property to secure a substantial footprint in a connected rural community,” Laughton says.

“Properties of this calibre and scale, with very good housing, a tidy range of farm buildings, improvements, and a history of consistent development, are tightly held and competitively sought.

“This distinct offering is amplified by the farm’s suitability for various production and management practices, with a proven ability to deliver a diverse income stream and reliable yields.

“The owners’ family have been excellent custodians of the land, now offering a new opportunity to leverage the farm’s current format for maximum financial and lifestyle reward.”

Click here for more information on the listing.