Deal ironed out for Tirau's giant sheep and ram

Tirau's corrugated iron sheep and ram are now off the market. Photo / Bayleys Katharina Charles - Katharina.Charles@bayleys.co.nz

The chance to get your hands Tirau's giant animal couple has now gone - the corrugated sheep and ram sold to a buyer this week.

The well-known pair sit on a 2103sqm site, alongside a large corrugated dog, and were listed for sale last month and the tender closed on Wednesday this week.

Bayleys Real Estate agent in charge of the sale, Blair Hutcheson, confirmed the property had been sold for an "undisclosed sum" to a buyer who wished to keep their identity private.

The capital value of the property according to QV's latest valuation, in July last year, was $1.16m.

When it was last sold, for $55,000 in 1993, the capital valuation was $33,000.

The three giant crafted animals that have been installed on the land over the last couple of decades are a popular attraction for those travelling south through the small Waikato town, 50km southeast of Hamilton.

Owners Nancy and John Drake bought the property and transformed it into a sheep in 1994, to house a wool and craft store.

Tirau's giant animal couple is now off the market. Photo / Bayleys Katharina Charles - Katharina.Charles@bayleys.co.nz

Nancy Drake said it was a "gamble" to set up shop in Waikato, but oit paid off as thousands each year stop 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 for public toilets. The body of the ram followed in 2005, though Clothier was unable to complete its head until this year.

The dog is leased, for the next six years to the council, which uses it as an information centre and public bathroom.

The animal trio were ranked number two of seven things to visit in the farming town on TripAdvisor and have even been awarded a "Certificate of Excellence".