Life Update: Quick update from me, this week on Monday Luke and I went to Blink-182 which was so cool! I really feel bad for them having had to cancel their CHCH show as I know a lot of my mates were going to that, so that sucks a**. This week has been good with Benji but as he is coming first most of the time, blogs and vlogs are a little slower to come out - but I promise they will still keep coming and please keep supporting me on this creative career journey because I'm loving it! I also haven't had much inspiration lately and don't really have a filming space set up, but don't worry, I'll get there.
Hi friends!
Welcome back to the blog! I've recently finished reading a book about haunted locations in Australia and there was a lot - like 100 in fact. I went to look at my notes app on my phone to find out what the book was called but I ended up getting distracted by social media haha. Ah, the book was called "100 Tales from Australia's Most Haunted Places" by Ben Pobjie (it was really good, highly recommend it) - quick disclaimer - this is an affiliate link so I will earn a commission if you buy the book through the hyperlink.
And that inspired me to write today's blog post, some haunted locations in New Zealand - some of research and some of my own feelings about certain places. You can check out a full list of haunted locations in New Zealand on Wikipedia "here".
The South Island, New Zealand
Christchurch
Let's start with my hometown Ōtautahi (Christchurch) because like wouldn't it be haunted having suffered two major earthquakes in 2010 and 2011? Let's find out!
Riccarton Racecourse Hotel: Ahh this one. I remember mum telling me this place was haunted but I don't know if she ever saw anything. I mean, she might have? I feel like she probably did see something, or had a feeling (or she was just more aware of the backstory because I didn't learn about it until I decided to write this post). Apparently, Riccarton Racecourse Hotel is haunted by its former licensee Donald Fraser (41). It was 1933 and Donald Fraser was sleeping next to his wife and was m*rdered in cold bl**d by two shots from a double-barrelled shotgun. No one was ever convicted of the crime and Donald walks the corridors of the hotel searching for his murderer. Many people were suspected of the crime. However, it's said that there wasn't ever enough evidence for a jury to convict someone. Spooky. Check out a really epic take on this case "here". Did his wife do it? We might never know.
Quail Island: Ahhh, this brings back memories. We took many school trips out to Quail Island and we always had a blast there even as teenagers, there were heaps of weekend trips where I believe we went swimming and had picnic lunches and all that jazz. I think schools must have organised these trips to teach us about the history of quarantine and leprosy (so kinda interesting and educational). In 1851, the island was used as a farm by European settlers (and got its name as they saw native quail (koreke) there - now extinct), then it was turned into a quarantine station in 1875, a hospital for the flu pandemic in 1907, and then a small leper colony from 1906 to 1925. 14 men were sent to the island, with 2 passing away from leprosy. It wasn't until 1975 that the island was ecologically restored. I haven't been able to find much about it being haunted - but maybe it's just because it has a spooky and eerie past with graveyards, shipwrecks, and the fact that it was a former leper colony. I don't think you can go there at night, so maybe that's when the ghosts come out. I do remember walking through the graveyard there a few times and feeling a bit off, but nothing to the sorts of feelings I've had in Melbourne particularly.
Christchurch Gondola: So I loved the Gondola as a kid, it was so fun but I didn't really go on it much as an adult - idk why. I just think I never wanted to do something like that by myself and I spent a lot of time by myself. I love alone time, it really recharges me. Anyway, according to this "source", the gondola on Mount Cavendish is haunted. Many workers have reportedly felt someone or something touch their shoulders, cold air pass over them, and see glimpses of something out of the corner of their eye - usually at the end of the day. I'm not 100% convinced on this one but I have a sneaking suspicion that this one could be a combination of a long-shift and then pareidolia. What do ya'll think?
Lyttleton Ghost Girl: Now, I've always been a fan of Lyttleton - it was a great place to drive to from my mum's house, has good cafes, food, and beer, and has an epic farmer's market on the weekends. I never really felt uneasy here, except where the earthquake made the bell thing fall down (I've forgotten what it's called) and I always loved going there. However, I've met a few people in my life who have gone to gigs out in Lyttleton and heard many brawl fight stories so since then I've always been a little more on the weary side of things. But nothing bad has ever happened to me there so it was very interesting to find out (and absolutely horrible) that a little innocent girl was murdered here in 1875. Isabella Thompson who was only 11 years old at the time was walking into Dampier Bay to go to her school to buy tickets for a picnic coming up. Unfortunately, Isabella was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Her dress was in pieces and her throat had been c*t. The perpetrator was found almost immediately and sentenced to execution. In the area where the crime took place, people have reported seeing a young girl in a white dress, and noises of a child crying out, and when people go to ask the young girl if she needs help, she disappears from view. I'm not 100% sure if Isabella was 11 years old as some sources say she was 13 and others say she was 11.
Dunedin
Lanarch Castle: Ahh, probably one of the biggest tourist attractions in Dunners, but I've never had the chance to go or stay there. I think when I've been in Dunedin, it's always been way too expensive or booked out or they only have rooms with shared bathrooms (which, as someone with IBS and kidney issues, that's not really an option for me). Anyway, it's a pre cool place. I highly recommend reading the history about Lanarch Castle "here" as it's New Zealand's only castle. Anyway, on to the reason why this place is haunted. William Lanarch built this castle over three years with 200 men, the castle was completed in 1874 and further improvements were also carried out over the next 12 years. The castle was intended to be a happy home for Lanarch's family. However, tragedy struck. One of Lanarch's daughters Kate, passed away from an illness in her 20s, Lanarch's first wife passed away at the age of 38, and his second wife also passed away aged 38. He married a third time. Eventually, Lanarch was accused of dishonorable dealings and in October 1898, he unsubscribed from life in New Zealand's Parliament building. As Lanarch had no will, things got messy and the castle was sold by the family. Briefly, it was turned into an asylum until 1918. The building was left to decay, but in 1927 was sold off again, and then finally in 1967, the Barker family bought the place. The castle was restored and has been a tourist attraction ever since! Okay okay, I know I promised ghost talk so let's get into that. People are very much aware that the castle is haunted, with reports that a couple were pushed apart in Constance's room (this was Lanarch's 3rd wife) and that this is the coldest room in the whole building. As well as this, it's said that William Lanarch himself haunts Lanarch Castle, as people have seen a male figure wandering around. People also say there's a lot of energy haunting Lanarch Castle, with some people feeling like they are being suffocated when inside the castle, doors opening and closing, and that uneasy feeling of being watched. I reckon ghost hunters Sam and Colby should go here.
Regent Theatre: Well, theatres always seem to be haunted don't they? I can't help but wonder whether this is an advertising ploy or what, but nonetheless it's interesting what's happened here. Back in 2015, when Phantom of the Opera was playing here, one audience member felt the back of their chair being kicked, with no one behind them, while a few clocks stopped working with no explanation, and technical problems with a chandelier. And what's spookier, is that in 2018, the theatre was flooded. A locked room had a tap go on and flood the whole theatre. Responders to the scene seemed alarmed that they found the room locked and empty and that they couldn't find any faults with the tap - so fact or fiction? You tell me. "Here's" an amazing article on the flooding.
Cumberland College: Cumberland College is a hall of residence (like where people live on campus) for University of Otago students. It's right across the road from the Queen Mary Maternity Hospital and Dunedin Hospital. Cumberland College is said to be haunted by the "Grey Lady". This story relates to a particular tragedy that occurred at Queen Mary (also quick sidenote, Queen Mary seems to be the name for a lot of haunted places). So, allegedly, one lady was staying there and a nurse took her baby off of her for being an unfit mother, and then that nurse was haunted when the mother passed away. Spooky (but there's not a lot of information on the original ghost). Was it just karma? Anyway, reports from eyewitnesses say that on the 5th of May 2012, two health science students (who happened to be women) noticed a strange smell as well as an eerie chill in the air as they were walking back home to the college after studying. Then, one of the ladies saw a black figure next to a fire hydrant, and pointed it out to her friend. They both turned around and felt another cold wind of air pass through them. They were very shaken up and the incident was reported. Many others heard about this and would sleep with their lights on and in friends' rooms to feel safer.
Seacliff Lunatic Asylum (Otago): Ahhh, this old thing. Back in 2020, I did a roadie of the south island while borders were shut down and this is one of the places I drove through. I wasn't aware at the time that it was haunted, but it did feel really scary driving through. I didn't even get out of the car to have a look and I don't think I'd started meditating yet so wasn't sure what the feeling was when I drove through here. Anyway, according to plenty of sources, this is considered one of New Zealand's most haunted places. This place was built in the 19th century and had many construction faults that led to partial collapse, and a fire in 1942 that claimed between 37-39 lives lost. As of today, most of the buildings have been demolished, but it was still freaky af to me. Come to think of it, I actually don't know whether I was allowed to drive through it or what but ahh. This place was full of all that historical ableist and awful drama that went on in the olden days (like the mistreatment of patients) - although I haven't been able to find anything more than just "rumours". But knowing how people with mental disorders were treated in the past, I wouldn't put it past them. In 1973, the place officially closed and many urban explorers reported a vibe that was really off there (and yep, it is in fact closed to the general public so lucky I didn't get out of my car or caught for that matter). So do we think it's leftover energy from all the awful stuff that happened here or do we think those lost in the fire are really haunting the area? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Invercargill
Demolition World: So this one isn't particularly haunted in the sense that you might think it is BUT learning about this place is giving major Westworld vibes and that sh*t is freak AF! Demolition World is a little town that is completely made out of recycled items and demolished buildings, hence the name. Check out some of the photos "here" - the mannequins are sure to give you the heebie-jeebies.
The North Island, New Zealand
Let's move on to the North Island now!
Auckland
Highwic: Highwic is a heritage-listed site in Auckland, a building built in the 19th century for a colonial settler, Alfred Buckland. Also, if something is heritage-listed, it means that no renovations can occur, the place must stay how it is. Highwic is located in Newmarket. Highwic is also available for weddings, photography, and catering. You can read more about the history of Highwic "here". There have been sightings of a ghost in the bedrooms in Highwic as well as sightings of a ghost dog running around the property. Other eyewitnesses have said to have seen or felt a child's presence around. Highwic has been open as a museum since 1981 and some of the photos are "chilling".
Ewelme College: Ewelme College is a little house in Parnell, Auckland that is now heritage-listed. According to Heritage New Zealand, the historic house was commissioned by Reverend Vicesimus Lush (1817 - 1882) between 1863 and 1864 while he was the vicar of Howick. This house let Lush's sons attend the Church of England Grammar school while he was on duty. Lush was away a lot. In 1969, Auckland City Council bought the property and it has been preserved as a house museum ever since. Wikipedia regards Ewelme College as one of the most haunted houses in Auckland. One curator has claimed to see a girl sitting near the Oak Tree in the yard and Paranormal NZ has even done some investigations here. According to their investigations, the upstairs area felt more "haunted" but they didn't really find anything to note in their sessions.
Alberton: This is another heritage-listing building in Auckland. Alberton House is a house in Mount Albert that was built in the 19th century (it was built in the 1860s for landowner Allen Kerr Taylor). This mansion was an epic party house for the Tāmaki Makaurau elite and is said to be home to many happy spirits. This place has been open to the public since 1972 and many people have said they have seen a woman dressed in old-timely Victorian clothes as well as other women chasing a bride around the property.
Wellington
Archives New Zealand / Department of Internal Affairs: I don't really think this type of building needs an introduction. It's pretty obvious what it is, but Wellington DIA staff have reported that this place is SUPER haunted. They say there is a specter in the basement (i.e., a ghost). One staff member said, "As the lift starts to move the number on the floor counter inside the lift flickers and the doors open on lower level 1, no one is there, it is dark, and you either stand there unsure of what to do or mash the close door button before something gets in". Another employee was even able to capture a photo of the ghost. However, this image has been taken down and the employee no longer works for the DIA. We are unsure if these two events are related.
St James Theatre: Another theatre, that's right. I don't think I was aware that NZ had so many theatres, but maybe that's just because I didn't pay that much attention. Anyway, St James Theatre is a theatre that is home to the Royal New Zealand Ballet and is located in central Wellington. One ghost that haunts this theatre is a ghost Russian man named Yuri (a dancer). There are two stories about Yuri's passing. One is that he fell while performing and the second is that his fellow performer Pasha, pushed him. Yuri is said to be a playful ghost who will flicker lights on and off in the building after shows and will open and close the doors as he pleases. Allegedly, he has saved one worker's life twice, by pushing them out of harm's way. There is also the "Wailing Woman" ghost at the theatre who isn't as playful as Yuri is. This woman was another performer who reportedly got booed off stage one night and this led to the end of her life. This woman is known to be very jealous of those who do well in their careers. For example, this ghost woman caused Anna Veitch to break her foot during a performance of The Sound of Music as well as spraining Barbara Windsor's ankle one night when performing Carry On Barbara. Another woman fell off a ladder while working on stage. And, it's even said that Sir Peter Jackson has seen the Wailing Woman himself. One last ghost that is said to haunt St James Theatre is that of the late American actor Stan Andrews who is said to be heard coughing and wheezing backstage late at night. Sometimes people report seeing a tall man standing in the theatre too. Read more "here". In 2005, the TV show Ghost Hunt even did an investigation here where they allegedly caught lots of orbs floating around, paranormal evidence on camera, and the lift malfunctioning.
Cambridge Hotel: The Cambridge Hotel is what you'd expect from a hotel - although I've never stayed there so I guess I'm kinda just making this up. But, from their website and reviews online, it looks like your average run-of-the-mill hotel. However, there have been some very vague paranormal reports of this place. According to Paranormal New Zealand, some claims have been feeling as if something is on the bed - like you would if a cat was sleeping next to you, uneasy feelings at the top of the stairs, strange feelings in some of the rooms like someone is in there with you or watching you, and reports of a man in a black suit climbing the stairs silently and then disappearing at the top.
Other Notable Places
Napier Prison, Napier: Napier Prison is New Zealand's oldest prison which was built in 1862. However, it was decommissioned in 1993 and since 2002, is now open to the public for tours. The prison doubled as a psychiatric unit and an orphanage. This prison has had many paranormal reports from lots of different people including doors opening and closing, unexplained footsteps, disembodied faces, and the ghost of a murderer on the anniversary of his execution. Check out "this" YouTube video where some ghost hunters explore the prison.
Kingseat Hospital, Karaka: Kingseat Hospital was a former psychiatric unit and since 2005 has been used as the site for "Spookers" - a scream park. There have been over 100 claims of people seeing apparitions at Kingseat. Kingseat operated as a psychiatric hospital from 1932 to 1999, housed at least 800 patients at one time, and had a maximum security wing, and a morgue onsite. Again, it is said that patients were subject to the awful abuse that went on in those days and there were some mysterious disappearances of patients too. It is said that many nurses here unsubscribed from life and those are who haunt the area. Not the patients.
Waitomo Caves Hotel, Waikato: This hotel is located directly above Waitomo Caves and is said to be haunted. I hate caves, they freak me out so much. I think I've explained why in previous blog posts but anyway this is one cave where you can see the cool glow worms in NZ (also they look really ugly during the day haha). There have been reports of a princess running around the corridors, bathtubs that drip blood out of their taps, and orbs floating around the building. Other people have reported feelings of cold air brushing through them, unknown laughter, the feeling that something or someone has gone through them, and the noise of a maid's trolley going through the hotel. Although, I think you could debunk that one because shouldn't housekeeping be taking trolleys around anyway?
Vulcan Hotel, Saint Bathans (Central Otago): Again, another hotel (idk why certain places seem to be more haunted than others - is it to do with what's gone on in these places? I sure think so). Just looking at the website for the hotel hyperlinked above, it does give off a little eerie vibe looking at pictures on the inside (but that could just be me). On the outside though, it's very picturesque. I think this is more of a backpacker hotel as a lot of the rooms are just shared facilities. Allegedly this hotel is host to the spirit of Rosie, who was a s*x worker who used one of the rooms for her work back in the 1860s when the gold rush was prominent. Unfortunately, Rosie was k*lled by someone in her room after some of her gold - how she got paid (this gold which was never found, and her k*ller was also never found). Rosie is said to be very active in Room 1 where people feel a presence on their bed and others feel someone on their feet as well as reports of the room being extra cold when she's there. Rosie is a ghost that can only be felt, never seen and she tends to target male guests over female guests.
If you made it this far, make sure you comment below places in New Zealand that you think are haunted OR just give a general eerie/creepy vibe. I read on Reddit recently that Bottle Lake Forest has an eerie vibe to it (especially at night) although I can't find it again. There are definitely some eerie spots around so let me know where you have been (also doesn't even have to be NZ, could be anywhere in the world).
Much love,
Ash xx
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