Christchurch real estate agent Bob Muir, who has been appointed by mortgagor Prudential Mortgage Nominees, said he had received at least 40 expressions of "genuine interest" since the listing went up yesterday morning.
"There's been heaps of interest from as far away as London - also from Australia, Queenstown and other parts of New Zealand," Mr Muir said.
He said potential buyers wanted to operate the former tourist attraction as a business and he had not received any inquiries from collectors - although he had not ruled out that market.
Prudential has been managing the asset since Kingston Acquisitions went into receivership in November 2009 owing nearly $5 million.
The company's original intention was to build a resort to include a commercial centre, town hall and shops, two hotels, restaurants, apartments and villas. Mr Muir said master planning on the thwarted project had been "well advanced."
Mr Muir's listing, to be sold as one unit, describes "a portfolio of properties centred around the historic Kingston Flyer. These comprise 13 parcels of land situated at the lakeside township of Kingston.
"Some of the titles are linked to the historic Kingston Flyer steam train including a station and tavern, storage shed, railway corridor to Fairlight and Fairlight station. The Kingston Flyer itself comprising two locomotives passenger cars, kitchen van and flat-top wagons are included for sale."
The rest of the package is made up of residential sections and development blocks, one of which has consent for a 15-lot, 80ha subdivision.
