Tirau's corrugated iron sheep and ram is for sale. Photo / Bayleys Katharina Charles
Tirau's corrugated iron sheep and ram is for sale. Photo / Bayleys Katharina Charles
Ever wanted your own giant sheep? Now is your chance as Tirau's notorious corrugated sheep and ram couple is on the market.
The corrugated pair on the corner of State Highway 1 on Tirau's Main Road has been listed for sale with the tender due to close on November 9.
The giant crafted animals sit on a 2103sq m site, alongside a large corrugated dog - a trio of popular attractions in the small Waikato town, 50km to the southeast of Hamilton.
Currently the dog is leased by the South Waikato District Council which uses it as an information centre and public bathroom for the next six years.
Bayleys agent Blair Hutcheson said the sheep and ram duo still offered great potential for either a commercial or, pending council approval, a residential space.
"The location of the section is a huge drawcard - with a high traffic bus-stop right outside, and a recently completed BP petrol station across the road."
Photo / Bayleys Katharina Charles
The township, with a population of just under 700 at the last census, remains a principal stopover for those travelling south along the Waikato Expressway.
Hutcheson said the town's corrugated-iron landmarks, which attracted a huge captive audience daily, offered a rare opportunity for buyers to get an "original piece of New Zealand history".
The iconic installations came about from the vision of its owners, Nancy and John Drake, who first established the sheep in 1994 as a wool and craft store.
Mrs Drake said it was a "gamble" to set up shop in the Waikato, but one that paid off as thousands each year stop by for a visit and a photo opportunity.
The dog, designed by artist Steven Clothier, followed in 1998 after the South Waikato Council asked to use the site to open new public toilets. The body of the ram followed in 2005, though Clothier was unable to complete its head till earlier this year.
The animal trio was ranked number two of seven things to visit in the farming town on TripAdvisor and has even been awarded a "Certificate of Excellence".
About the property 61 - 63 Main Road, Tirau Floor area: 590sq m, including a café area, retail showrooms, mezzanines, offices and storage Land area: 2103sq m Dog pays a ground rental Tender closes November 9 Agent: Bayleys Blair Hutcheson
