Flea Bay was purchased by Francis and Steve as a development farm in 1969. Areas were set aside for conservation. Today 80 acres are covered by covenants. The balance was developed as a sheep and beef store farm, to be run alongside the home property in Akaroa, where Pam and Steve have been living since 1974. Before that they lived in the cottage at Flea Bay which is now used for the track accommodation.
The penguin sanctuary at Flea Bay has been the subject of a number of international and national documentaries, see
Pam and Steve and Francis and Shireen are joint owners of the
Flea Bay farm.
Steve, as well as being a farmer, is a very enthusiastic oil painter, and gardener.