PATEAROA STATION is situated at the south-east end of the Maniototo plain, and runs from the plains level of 1,200 ft at the homestead to a height of 4,700 ft at the top of the Rock and Pillar range. The station comprises 13,000 acres, 700 acres of which is arable, the balance being hill country. The general aspect is north-west, and the district enjoys the doubtful privilege of running Alexandra a very close race for the distinction of being the driest in New Zealand. Over the last 10 years, the annual rainfall has been 13.63 in. and the 50-year average is just over 14 in. per year.