New Zealand is one of those countries that easily comes to mind when thinking of exotic cultures. Generally, travelers admire this country for its landscapes, historical places, and traditions. But little do people know that there’s a darker side to New Zealand that not everyone talks about.
It turns out that New Zealand is home to various haunted places that are surrounded by mystery and eerie tales. Even though going sightseeing for haunted spots in an unknown country could be dangerous and being a tourist could make you even more vulnerable, horror enthusiasts find it hard to resist these haunted locations.
And if you’re among those who are brave enough to face paranormal occurrences in New Zealand, these are the 5 places you can choose to visit.
1. Larnach Castle, Dunedin
Larnach Castle, located in Dunedin, is one of the great examples of typical New Zealand architecture. It was built by William Larnach at the end of the 19th century and is known to be one of the most haunted spots in New Zealand. The story says that William Larnach’s daughter, Katie, passed away in this castle from a lethal typhoid infection while she was young. People believe that her ghost still haunts the place.
Larnach Castle has so many foreign visitors as well as locals. The fact that it’s close to the famous Grand Casino makes it an even more beloved place for thrill seekers. But not surprisingly, not everybody is brave enough to face Katie’s ghost. Especially those who realize that they have various options to gamble safely in reputable online casinos and enjoy the excitement without stepping out of their comfort zone.
Still, if you decide to give Larnach Castle a try, you should know that the apparitions of Katie’s ghost are mostly visible in the ballroom as well.
2. Waitomo Caves, Waitomo
Waitomo Caves are one of the main tourist attractions in New Zealand. Those caves look absolutely stunning with their luminous decorations, though what visitors don’t know is that it can be dangerous there. The dangers are believed to be happening in the Waitomo Caves because of the nearby Waitomo Caves Hotel, which is famous for being haunted.
According to stories, the place is haunted by a Maori princess and some former residents who used to live there. The sightseers have reported that they’ve heard weird mystery noises, as well as seen apparitions of different ghosts and felt sudden chills. Having this in mind, for those who enjoy natural sights with a bit of mystery, Waitomo Caves is a perfect spot to check out.
3. St. James Theater, Wellington
St. James Theater in Wellington, which is famous for its ghostly performers, is still a popular spot for great theater performances. However, don’t expect to spend a chill evening here because chances are that you’ll encounter something eerie.
Along with the tales of tragedy surrounding this theater, there have been reports about the ghosts of a wailing woman, a boys choir, and also Yuri and Stan Andrews, who like to make weird noises and play with lights. Despite all the supernatural events, apparently, it can be exciting to watch a performance while being in the unknown about what kind of mystery happens next.
4. Otira Tunnel, Arthur’s Pass
The Otira Tunnel, located at Arthur’s Pass National Park, is one of the ghostly attractions as well in New Zealand. It was opened in 1923 and has been a mysterious place with its dangerous routes. Even though there are no common ghost stories about this spot, there are still some rumors that this place is haunted.
The ghost who haunts the Otira Tunnel is a friendly Scotsman who tragically died during the tunnel construction. But this time, you don’t have to be afraid of dark forces because rumors say that he tries to help the passengers while he struggles to find his way home himself. As it is believed that this ghost doesn’t cause any harm, it might be fun to meet him in the tunnel.
5. The Vulcan Hotel, St. Bathans
If you’re comfortable experiencing supernatural ghostly events at a hotel you’re staying at while visiting New Zealand, you should definitely check out The Vulcan Hotel in St. Bathans. The ghost who haunts this hotel is a sex worker who was called “The Rose.” She tragically died at the hands of her customer, who first raped her and then strangled her to death (yes, as terrifying as it may sound).
Many male visitors of this hotel have reported being attacked by some force that could not be seen. The force would try to hold down or straddle those people, which made them terrified. This hotel surely has a dark history, but it still seems a popular place for vacations.
Bottom Line
After reading this article, you’re already aware that there are quite a lot of haunted places to visit in New Zealand. In spite of the fame, most of those spots look extremely dangerous. So, here’s the real question: would you dare to step into these locations and experience their mysteries?
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