Cattle
At Dunstan Peaks, we run around 100 grass-fed cattle — a mix of Angus and Speckle Park — that are perfectly suited to life in the high country.
Angus (black): easier to spot in the snowy winter months.
Speckle Park (white with speckled markings): stand out beautifully against the golden hills in summer.
These hardy breeds thrive in our rugged environment, and are part of what makes farming here so unique.
A Glimpse at Our Cattle Calendar:
December – Bulls head out with the herd
September – Calving begins, and the farm comes alive with newborn calves
April – Weaning time, and a chance to sell surplus steers and heifers
Speckle Park
A relatively young breed, Speckle Park cattle are gaining rapid popularity for their unique appearance and premium meat quality. Originally from Canada, they thrive in the varied climate at Dunstan Peaks.
Key Traits:
- Distinct speckled white and black coat (occasionally brown tones)
- Stocky, muscular build
- Generally docile and easy to handle
- Excellent adaptability to different climates
- Outstanding fertility and maternal traits
Meat Quality:
- Renowned for exceptional marbling
- Produces tender, juicy beef
- Highly suited for high-end premium beef markets
Growth & Performance:
- Calves are smaller at birth (easier calving) but mature early
- Achieve 300+ kg live weight within 6 months
- Reach 500–600 kg live weight by 15 months
Angus
Possibly the most popular beef breed in New Zealand, Angus cattle are known for their reliability, fast growth, and high meat quality. Their rich black coat and polled (hornless) genetics make them a top choice for both commercial and boutique operations.
Key Traits:
- Moderate frame size and rich black coat
- Calm temperament and easy to manage
- Thrive on both flat and hill country
- Early maturing with excellent fertility and mothering instincts
- Productive breeding life extending 10+ years
Meat & Growth:
- High-quality beef with good marbling
- Target live weight: 500–600 kg
Why These Breeds?
Both Angus and Speckle Park are:
- Well-suited to our terrain and seasonal shifts
- Low-stress to manage
- Efficient converters of grass to meat
- Essential to delivering premium, ethically raised beef to local markets
- Angus is a more popular breed and easier to sell when the time is necessary
- We love looking at them in the paddocks