Real-life Noah’s Ark in Christchurch sells for secret sum

A giant replica of Noah’s Ark in New Zealand has found its next owner. 

The enormous wooden ship is perched on the side of a hill in an outer suburb of Christchurch. 

The structure has been a local landmark for over 20 years. 

It was first built in 2004 by Ken and Bev Loader, a Christian couple who created a biblical-themed park called Gethsemane Gardens.

The ark was the park’s hero feature. 

Over the years, it proved a popular destination for weddings and events. 

The Loaders sold the extensive property to a developer in 2013, who has since built luxury homes on the land. 

The Noah’s Ark house hit the market in February this year with an asking price of $NZ1.5 million ($1.3 million). 

Now, nine months later, the unique property has officially sold. 

The buyers are a couple from Canterbury who want to live in the ark full-time, OneRoof reports. 

The final sale price cannot be revealed until settlement next month.

Agent Rod Cross from New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty told OneRoof the new owners will probably keep some animals in the ‘boat’. 

“I think there are some pets. I don’t know what species of pet at this point,” Cross said. 

The top storey – currently set up as a chapel for weddings – will become the owners’ main living space. 

The log-clad room boasts impressive views over the rooftops to Pegasus Bay. 

The ground-floor ‘hull’ currently houses a commercial-grade kitchen and a concert space. 

The owners are reportedly still considering their plans for this lower part of the house, with a theatre being one idea that has been floated.