About Us

Benmore Station has been farmed by Sutherland’s since 1899. Currently run by fourth generation, William ‘Bill’ and Andrew, the 12500-acre farm was first taken up by Robert Campbell in 1853 before being subdivided for returned servicemen from World War I.

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James Sutherland managed the property for Campbell and in 1916 was given the opportunity to take up the Homestead Block, Run 543, which is Benmore Station as it is today.

Harsh winters with heavy snow saw huge stock loss during his time as guardian of the land.

His grandson James ‘Jim’ Sutherland saw an opportunity to freehold the land, and did so in 1968, a very forward-thinking and costly decision at the time.

He and wife Kathleen established the Benmore Station Hereford stud a year later. An iconic stud that was recognised by its double heart brand. It was deregistered in 2004 but the double-heart is still used on wool bales and recognised as the Benmore Station logo.

The Merino stud was established in 1983 and following Jim’s sudden death in 1985, his son’s Bill and Andrew took over running the station.

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In 1999, Bill and Andrew bought Ahuriri Downs and then Clay Cliffs in 2016 which are farmed together complementing the Benmore operation. Water, a critical and scarce resource in the upper Waitaki Valley was first introduced in 2006, delivering extensive water to the station through The Benmore Irrigation Scheme.

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Many historic buildings including the station's woolshed remain on the property in original condition, untouched, preserving the heritage of a family that has proudly farmed this harsh yet delicate environment for generations