New Zealand may be famous for its blue rolling waves, lush green leaves and delicious cuisine, but another exciting thing about this country is its collection of spooky places. From hospitals to schools, and from hotels to palaces, there are all kinds of eerie places scattered across the country. Here’s a look at the top haunted places in New Zealand before planning your trip!
New Zealand is known for its amazing scenery, hidden waterfalls and hiking through dense forests, but there is no shortage of haunted places in New Zealand. Here is a list for you.
1. Larnach Castle
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One of the most haunted places in New Zealand, Larnach Castle is famous for being one of the few castles in the country to remain haunted. The story goes, the castle’s ballroom was gifted by Larnach to his daughter Katie on her 21st birthday. Unfortunately, he died young due to typhoid cancer. His first two wives also died while living in this palace, and he himself committed suicide after learning of his son’s affair with his third wife. Later, the palace was also a mental hospital during World War I. While Katie is seen roaming in the ballroom, she has also been seen roaming in the corridors. There have also been cases of people being pushed, touched on the back and others.
2. Vulcan Hotel
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Room 101 of The Vulcan Hotel, once the city’s most popular pub, is a hotel that everyone avoids today. It is said that a prostitute named The Rose used to come here regularly. One night she entered the hotel with a male customer and was strangled to death the next day. Unnatural experiences like water boiling in the kettle when it is switched off, noise in the corridor and male guests being held or strangled have taken place here.
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3. Carlyle House
In the year 1912, a terrible fire accident occurred in which more than 40 boys lost their lives. Carlyle House was an orphanage for boys, and since the fire, paranormal phenomena have been observed. Children’s laughter is one of the common things.
4. Kingseat Hospital
With a history of being one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the country, Kingseat Hospital saw a lot of deaths in its time. It is said that the number of staff member deaths exceeded the number of patients, possibly due to increased mental and emotional trauma. Many suicides were committed on these grounds. In the corridors here one can see a nurse known as the “Grey Lady”.
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5. Spirits Bay
One of the less scary places, but where spirits definitely visit, is Spirits Bay. People claim to have seen people walking on the beach and disappearing at a particular spot. Legend says that it is a place for people to go to the afterlife.
6. Napier Prison
Napier Prison was not only a prison, but also an orphanage and at one time a psychiatric hospital. With such a strange history, it’s no surprise that this place has an eerie aura. Its most famous and controversial convict was mass murderer Roland Edwards, who is said to have lived at this location.
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7. Waitomo Caves Hotel
Built on ancient Maori land, this hotel is believed to be haunted by a Maori princess. With a reputation for being New Zealand’s scariest hotel, there have been incidents of noises and screams, children’s laughter and even blood dripping from the bathtub.
It is said that the spirit of a former staff member also comes here from time to time to neatly arrange the shoes of the guests.
8. Chateau Tongariro
Chateau Tongariro was a women’s refuge in the 1940s. It has been the site of murders, suicides and accidents, making it one of the haunted places in New Zealand. Curtains moving automatically, doors opening and closing are some of the phenomena that are common here. It has also happened that “unwanted” guests find their bags packed and ready to leave in the morning.
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9. Special Tunnel
If you find a friendly man helping people in this tunnel, he may not actually be a man. Although there is nothing very scary about it, the story goes that a Scottish man died during the construction of the tunnel. He apparently helps people as he himself is struggling to get home.
10. Riccarton Racecourse Hotel
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The licensee of this hotel, Mr Donald Fraser, was murdered in this hotel in 1933. Unfortunately, the killer was not found, and it is said that Mr. Fraser still roams these corridors to find the real killer.
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11. Camp Adair
Camp Adair is located near Auckland. It was a popular spot for school picnics. The story goes that a group of children here were killed by the teacher, and the teacher can still be seen wandering these grounds.
12. Jubilee Pavilion
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If you’re in the country for a very long time, try to check out some games here. It is believed that he was a homeless man who enjoyed the weekly games here, his spirit is still seen sitting in the same seat during the games. Not horrible, but enough to give you chills, that being said he is actually a very soft and friendly person!
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13. Lake Alice Hospital
Lake Alice Hospital has been a mental asylum for some time. With a violent history in these corridors, the staff here claim to be haunted by former patients to this day. There have been incidents of pushing or touching people here.
14. Erskine College
The sights, the screams, the actions and more, Erskine College is a scary place to visit. Not much is known about the story, but it will be interesting to watch and learn more!
15. St. James Theater
Of all the people who have performed here, some people like to come back from time to time. For example, boys’ singing can be heard, as well as women’s wailing. But the interesting story of this site is of Russian artist Yuri. He died after falling off the stage, and today likes to keep the lights on when the theater is closed.
While in the country, if you are an adventure lover looking for something unique, strange and scary to do, consider this list and visit some of these haunted places. Explore New Zealand with us.
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