Simon's Pass, (30,000 acres) was taken up in 1857 by John Hayhurst, a native of Lancashire. John Hayhurst was the father of all run speculators. Cold, shred, and calculating, he, of all the original runholders, had the commercial sense most highly developed, and foresaw most clearly of all, South Canterbury's future. Tradition says that at the time of taking up it was thought the Mary's Range run extended down into the Tekapo-Pukaki forks. Hayhurst discovered that such was not the case, and applied for 30,000 acres, the present Simon's Pass Station. He was not bred a sheepfarmer, but was quick at discovering those who were, and in spite of an exterior coldness knew how to reward and appreciate loyal service. The personification of energy himself, he detested loafers and wasters. A firm believer in sane progress and careful, experimenting, it is well worth noting that he was the first to try English grasses within the Mackenzie Country, for in 1859 at the actual Simon's Pass he tried several imported grasses. He held Simon's Pass till 1863, when it was bought by Arthur Clowes. The later "under went" about the year '70, and the station was taken over by Gould of Christchurch. It was then sold to Matheson Brothers, one of whom sold his interests to the late Frederick LeCren. In sub-division year Simon's Pass was cut in two; the homestead run was bought by John Matheson. The other portion known as Simon's Hill was balloted for and fell to a Mr. Hoskins.
Modern times have seen the introduction of irrigation to this area and a more intensive approach to farming the land.