Walk the shadowed streets of Dunedin’s 'Devils Triangle' with Hair Raiser Tours—uncover gripping true crime stories and visit the haunted Old Gaol after dark. Ready for a spine-tingling local experience?
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves walking on city streets with some uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
Dunedin’s Old Gaol, constructed in 1863, served as a detention center during early colonial settlement and remains one of New Zealand’s most intact Victorian prisons.
Conservation
Hair Raiser Tours supports sustainable tourism by minimizing group size and encouraging respect for heritage buildings and public spaces in central Dunedin.
Hair Raiser Tours
Walk the shadowed streets of Dunedin’s 'Devils Triangle' with Hair Raiser Tours—uncover gripping true crime stories and visit the haunted Old Gaol after dark. Ready for a spine-tingling local experience?
Hair Raiser Tours is a Dunedin-based tour operator specialising in guided ghost, crime and cemetery walks across Otago. The company offers a suite of 90-minute experiences that explore Dunedin's supernatural history, true crime stories and botanical heritage, with routes that include the Gothic Northern Cemetery, Southern Cemetery, the Old Gaol and the port town of Port Chalmers.
Each tour focuses on factual history and storytelling: The Dunedin Crime Tour examines the city's criminal past and culminates with an after-dark visit to the Old Gaol; the Ghost Garden and Northern Cemetery tours combine cemetery botany and folklore with ghostly accounts; the Dunedin Ghost Tour features twilight visits and an exclusive Ghost Gallery; the Southern Cemetery Tour explores early settler tragedies; the Shiver Street Tour highlights true crime locations guided by Andrew Smith; and the Port Chalmers Ghost Tour investigates maritime hauntings and local legends.
Guides present research-based narratives, cemetery history, architectural context and recorded local anecdotes. Tours run approximately 90 minutes and are presented in public walking formats suitable for adults and older teens. Hair Raiser Tours operates in central Dunedin and surrounding historic sites in Otago, making it a focused option for visitors seeking immersive historical and supernatural walking experiences. The business emphasises respectful engagement with cemetery sites and community histories while delivering guided after-dark storytelling and site visits for those interested in Dunedin's darker heritage. Tours accommodate small groups and visitors can book public departures or enquire about private arrangements for special dates and events year-round by prior arrangement.
Location
Dunedin, Otago
Historic and haunted city base
Tour Length
90 minutes
90-minute immersive walks
Tours Offered
7 distinct tours
Guided ghost and crime walks
Notable Guide
Andrew Smith featured
New Zealand's original ghost guide
Secure a spot on a guided after-dark tour through Dunedin’s cemeteries, Old Gaol, and haunted streets — perfect for history and supernatural enthusiasts.
Book in advance
This popular after-dark tour often fills up quickly, so reserve your spot early to avoid disappointment.
Wear sturdy shoes
The tour covers uneven cobblestones and slippery sidewalks—comfortable, closed-toe footwear is a must.
Prepare for dim lighting
Portions of the tour take place in low-light settings; bring a small flashlight if you need extra visibility.
Arrive early
Meet your guide promptly at Rattray Street to ensure a timely start and full experience.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supply stability and comfort over cobbled and potentially slippery streets.
Warm jacket
Keeps you warm during cool evening temperatures common on the tour.
fall
Flashlight or headlamp
Helpful for navigating dimly lit areas during the after-dark Gaol visit.
Rainproof layer
Spring rains can be sudden; a light waterproof is useful to stay dry.
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