Step into Dunedin’s haunting Northern Cemetery with Hair Raiser Tours for a 90-minute journey through history, ghost stories, and architecture. Discover eerie apparitions and the famous Larnach Tomb on this unique Gothic walking tour.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most physical conditions; involves walking on uneven terrain at a moderate pace.
Wildlife
History
The Northern Cemetery dates back to the 1860s and holds graves of early Otago settlers, reflecting Dunedin’s rapid growth during the gold rush era.
Conservation
Efforts are made to preserve the stone monuments and native vegetation, balancing heritage protection with public access.
Hair Raiser Tours
Step into Dunedin’s haunting Northern Cemetery with Hair Raiser Tours for a 90-minute journey through history, ghost stories, and architecture. Discover eerie apparitions and the famous Larnach Tomb on this unique Gothic walking tour.
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.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The cemetery paths are uneven and can be slippery, so sturdy footwear will keep you steady throughout the tour.
Bring a flashlight for low light
Evening tours can be dimly lit; a small flashlight enhances visibility without disrupting the atmosphere.
Respect the site
This is an active burial ground; avoid touching monuments and keep noise to a minimum to maintain the solemn environment.
Check weather before you go
Rain or damp conditions may make paths slippery, so plan accordingly with waterproof gear.
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides solid footing on uneven and potentially slippery cemetery paths.
Warm layers
Layer up for cooler autumn evenings to stay comfortable during the tour.
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Compact flashlight
Helps illuminate the path for nighttime tours without disturbing other guests.
Waterproof jacket
Protects against sudden rain showers typical in springtime Dunedin.
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