Welcome to the iconic high country station in the upper reaches of the Awatere Valley027 474 8865
A rider on horseback and dogs pushing a mob of sheep across a stream

Awatere Valley, Marlborough

Welcome to Muller Station

Muller Station covers 38,860 ha or approximately 96,000 acres, situated in the Awatere, Acheron and Saxton rivers it takes in a variety of landscapes.

38,860 hectares in the Awatere Valley Farmed by the Satterthwaite family since 1965 Registered Merino stud since 2005 Marlborough Farmer of the Year 2024

Ranging from rolling valley floors, open tussock landscapes and up into mountainous ranges. Muller Station features genuine summer and winter country with the heart of the operation lying in the Awatere Valley.

A saddled horse and three sheepdogs on a knoll looking out over the Muller Station valley

Looking into the heart of Muller Station

History

History

Muller Station is made up of three pastoral runs joined together, the Fairfield run, Langridge run and Richmond dale. The original Fairfield run was taken up in 1851 by Dr Stephen Lunn Muller and was purchased by JW Shirtliff in 1896. In 1924 the neighbouring Landridge and Richmond Dale runs were incorporated into the property when the land holding was transferred to Margaret Anges Shirtlif. In 1930 the land was transferred to their daughter Margaret Helen, who married Tasman Van Asch. In 1965 the property was sold to the Satterthwaite family.

The Satterthwaite family dressed for an evening out on a deck, one of them holding a small black dog, mountains behind

Our operation

Our operation

Muller Station is a genuine working high country station running approximately 22,000 stock units made up of 6500 merino ewes, 1200 breeding cows plus associated young stock and replacements. A Merino stud and horse breeding programme are also key elements of the business. The majority of stockwork is done on horseback and foot, the annual Autumn muster lasts for the better part of a week. The property features 5 huts which are utilised for mustering and accommodation.

Between 2-3 full time shepherds are employed and in recent years a GFF (Growing future farmers) cadet has also been part of the team. Muller is a very family oriented property and staff quickly become involved in both family and farming operations. Team culture is a huge part of what makes the operation a success. Living two hours up a gravel road from the nearest town requires a team culture that understands camaraderie and the importance of being a team player.

Riders with their horses and dogs on a steep mountainside, cloud hanging on the rocky tops above
Three riders on horseback on a dark ridge at dusk, mountain tops in cloud behind

We welcome new enquiry

Phone Steve on 027 474 8865 or send a message, and one of the family will get back to you.

Our objectives

Muller's farming objectives

  • Breeding high-quality Merino genetics with a focus on commercial productivity.
  • Managing and continuing to improve both cattle and sheep systems.
  • Maintaining high standards of stockmanship, dogmanship and animal husbandry.
  • Taking a progressive approach to farm management systems.
  • Continuing a strong focus on weed and pest management.
  • Being responsible stewards of the land and maintaining sustainable farming practices.
  • Preserving the traditional aspects of high-country farming that make this way of life distinctive.
  • Continuing to use horses and endorse their use as well as training and developing staff skills in horsemanship and stockmanship.

Successes

Recognition for the station

Muller Station Ltd has received recognition for its farming and environmental management. In 2024, Muller Station Ltd was awarded the Westpac + OsGro Seeds Marlborough Farmer of the Year.

More of the station's and the Merino stud's successes

Four people resting on a rocky summit with a view down a river valley to a lake

Frequently asked questions

Where is Muller Station?

Muller Station is in the upper reaches of the Awatere Valley in Marlborough, two hours up a gravel road from the nearest town. The heart of the operation lies in the Awatere Valley, and the property takes in the Acheron and Saxton rivers as well.

How big is the station and what does it run?

Muller Station covers 38,860 hectares, or approximately 96,000 acres, and runs approximately 22,000 stock units: 6500 merino ewes and 1200 breeding cows with their young stock and replacements, alongside the Merino stud and the stock horse breeding programme.

Can I buy rams from Muller Station?

Yes. Rams are sold in early February each year with current wool measurements, foot-score DNA, muscle scanning data, weight and fertility status. The Merino stud page sets out the breeding objectives; get in touch if they are similar to yours.

Can I hunt on Muller Station?

Guided hunting on Muller Station is run by South Pacific Mountain Hunting NZ, and their website takes the enquiries. Our hunting page has the link.

Is there accommodation on the station?

Rustic shearing quarters type accommodation is available at times for horse trekkers, cyclists, trampers and people passing through on the Molesworth road. The Acheron Road through Molesworth is open from 1 October until Easter Monday or the second Monday in April, whichever is later, according to the Department of Conservation. Phone or email for costs and what is available, or see the accommodation page.

Get in touch

Contact us

Please do not hesitate to phone or e-mail for more details.

027 474 8865