Read almost any travel site that ranks haunted places in New Zealand and you’ll find some disturbing material. But are these places really all that spooky?
We examine two of the best known haunted places for you.
Larnach Castle: Dunedin
Larnach Castle in Dunedein often tops the list of most league tables when they’re ranking the spookiest places in New Zealand.
While the early history of the Larnach family is filled with tragedy and conflict, today the castle is a beautiful venue and one of New Zealand’s top visitor attractions for those who visit the city of Dunedin in the South Island. Our artistic impression of a haunted Larnach Castle (cover photo) is quite unfair in that regard.
Larnach Castle is a historic mansion that was built in the late 1800s. The castle is said to be haunted by the ghost of William Larnach, its former owner, who died by suicide in 1898. Visitors have reported hearing strange noises and feeling a sense of unease while exploring the castle.
But in reality it’s a gorgeous venue that has been resoted by the Barket Family and is popular for weddings, corporate events and recitals. And when it’s snowing, it looks absolutely stunning, as this photo from their Facebook page attests.
As their website says, Larnach Castle offers the castle experience, award-winning gardens, luxury accommodation, event management and unique dining experiences. Larnach Castle has received numerous national and international accolades.
However, it would be remiss not to cover some the early history, which is where its haunted reputation come from. As their website explains:
William James Mudie Larnach, of Scottish descent, was born in 1833 in New South Wales, Australia. His banking career began in Melbourne then followed the gold rush to the Australian goldfields where he was manager of the Bank of New South Wales at Ararat. His bank was a tent and his equipment consisted of dogs, a gun, and strong boxes. Gold was discovered in Otago, New Zealand, in the 1860's. Larnach was offered the position of manager of the Bank of Otago in Dunedin, which serviced the extensive goldfields. He sailed for Dunedin in 1867. Larnach's brillant career encompassed his merchant empire Guthrie and Larnach, banking, shipping, farming, landholding, politics and... speculation. He travelled extensively and was a cabinet minister in the New Zealand Government, holding various portfolios, over a period of twenty-five years. Larnach was married three times and had six children. He was pre-deceased by his first two wives and his eldest daughter, Kate. He took his own life in the New Zealand Parliament Buildings in 1898.
Larnach was a man of great vision and created a magnificent residence for himself and his family. A story is told that William Larnach and one of his sons went for a horse ride along the top of the Otago Peninsula to choose the best site for their home. Today you can still see why this site was chosen as it has wonderful panoramic views of Dunedin, Otago Harbour, the Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. First the site was clear-felled, then the hill site was levelled by putting pegs into the volcanic rock and pouring salt water on them to split the rock. Approximately 200 men spent three years building the shell of the Castle and then gifted European craftsmen spent 12 years embellishing the interior. Materials from all over the world were used - marble from Italy, slate from Wales, floor tiles from England, glass from Venice and France. No expense was spared in creating Larnach's dream home! Many New Zealand native woods were also used - kauri ceilings, rimu floors and honeysuckle panelling. In 1885 a 3,000 square foot Ballroom was added.
Larnach's first wife Eliza Guise, had six children - Donald, Douglas, Kate, Colleen, Alice and Gladys. Eliza died at the age of 38 when Gladys was still a baby. Larnach then married Eliza's half sister Mary Alleyne. They were married for 5 years when sadly Mary also died at the age of 38. Larnach then married a much younger lady, Constance de Bathe Brandon. Larnach was struck by tragedy when his favourite daughter Kate died in her 20s. Five of the children were sent to England for their education. This meant long sea voyages and a lot of time away from the Castle and family. After Larnach's suicide in 1898 the family was further torn apart by legal battles over Larnach's property as he died intestate. The family then sold the Castle in 1906.
Waitomo Caves: near Te Kuiti
The Waitomo Caves in New Zealand's North Island are famous for their glowworms and underground rivers. However, some visitors have reported feeling a strong sense of unease or even seeing apparitions while exploring the caves but that maybe just because it’s a dark cave.
The Waitomo Caves are located 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) from the town of Te Kuiti. In driving time, it’s about 2 hours south of Auckland, 1 hour south of Hamilton, and 2 hours west of Rotorua.
You only have to see photos of the cave to understand why its such a popular visitor destination. Photos are from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Facebook page.
As their website recommends, Black Water Rafting is a bucket list must-do and guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. You head 80-metres below ground, raft in tubes through underground rapids, jump off waterfalls and float below a sky of glow worms, all whilst exploring one of the country’s most diverse cave systems.
As their promotions materials say:
Known as one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions, take a boat ride through the glowworm grotto, marvel at thousands of magical glowworms and become part of over 130 years of cultural and natural history.
Discover an ancient world 30 million years in the making and marvel at Mother Nature’s light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto.
Experience the serene ambience as you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights. The glowworm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) is unique to New Zealand, making the Waitomo Glowworm Caves an absolute must-do. See thousands of these tiny creatures as they radiate their unmistakable luminescent light in a subterranean world.
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves tours are made up of two levels. The upper being dry and decorated with stunning, delicate cave formations and the lower level consisting of stream passages, glowworms and the Cathedral, the tallest chamber in the cave.
Many of our guides are direct descendants of the Maori chief who originally explored the cave, bringing the cave to life through story-telling and explaining the history, features and legends of the world-famous cave.
However, there is a venue at Waitomo that does have a reputation as a spooky place.
Located right above the Waitomo Caves, is what some claim is New Zealand’s most haunted hotel: the Waitomo Caves Hotel. As the Little House of Horrors website says:
People have died between the walls of this Victorian hotel, but some hauntings find their origins from the time the hotel wasn’t even build yet. Add a couple of Māori mythical creatures to it and the horror is complete.
It hardly looks scary from this pictureque photo of the hotel exterior but it has an intriquing history.
The Waitomo Caves Hotel was built on a hill in 1908, but due to an increase of popularity of the underlying Waitomo Glowworm Caves, it was renovated 20 years later to house more guests. But before the hotel even existed, the land had another purpose. To the Māori it was sacred (Tapu) land and it is said to be occupied by Taniwha, guardian (or predator) beings that lurk in deep pools and rivers, dark caves and even at sea.
The Māori also believed the land was inhabited by the Patupaiarehe. These pale-skinned creatures live in deep forests and mountaintops and are said to lure people to their doom with their singing and flute music. The caves themselves were used as a Māori burial ground.
There’s running water underneath the hotel and running water is said to attract ghosts. And it was used to accommodate a British fort. Therefore, it’s one big paranormal hotspot.
The Māori resided in the area in 1350. Two massive battles were fought, right where the hotel and its gardens are now. One of these bloody battles, was the battle between the Kingitanga, the Māori King Movement, and the British Army. All the bloodshed must have triggered something on this land, for many ghosts reside at the hotel.
Many people claim to have seen, felt or heard something at the hotel. Some have experienced a time-slip in which they have completely lost track of time. Lights and objects are moving, footsteps are heard, and some people even feel “something” move right through them.
According to the hotel management, the ghosts are harmless, and they mean well. The ghost of a Māori man, poor Mrs. Rutherford, the wife of the first owner whose dress accidently caught fire and the spirit of a woman dressed in Victorian clothes are just a few of the spirits that haunt the hotel.
The Waitomo Caves Hotel is haunted by a Māori princess. Her story is a tragic one. She is said to have fallen in love with a British soldier who was stationed at the fort that used to be here.
She snuck out one night, hoping to meet her lover in secret, but was mistaken for a Māori warrior by a sentry guard. The princess was shot and died at the spot. Her spirit has been seen in the entire hotel, but mainly in the Victorian wing where she haunts room 12. There she moves the lights in the en-suite bathroom, and she is notorious for pulling off bedsheets. She has also been seen in the attic where she moans all night.
Room 14 - The young man that stayed in room 14 a long time ago, had a scary encounter with the Māori princess. He told other guests that he felt her pass through him. Shortly after he dropped that message, he went up to his room and took his own life. He still haunts this room and the adjoining corridors. People claim to have seen blood dripping in the bathtub of this room, even though the young man killed himself by hanging.
Cover Photo: An artistic impression of a spooky Larnarch Castle. Larnach Castle: All photos belong to Larnach Castle and can be viewed on their facebook page. Vintage Postcard: Waitomo Caves Hotel. Any video material in this article is not owned by "Matahati - Confessions from New Zealand". Video material embedded for this story is used on the basis of fair dealing to support the news reporting, criticism or the review objective of the article. Please support any YouTubers listed by liking, subscribing and, if appropriate, donating to their channels.
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