Dunedin’s Haunted Northern Cemetery—First Published 02/2/15

Written By Andrew Smith
Strange things happen at sea. @jacktheclicker

Strange things happen at sea. @jacktheclicker

Dunedin’s Haunted Northern Cemetery—This article was first published 02/2/15 for New Zealand Tourism.com By Andrew Smith.

The Northern Cemetery is regarded as one of the most haunted grave yards in the world. It’s amazing to think that just a short distance from Dunedin’s Octagon lies a historical treat waiting to be explored. Situated next to Dunedin’s botanical gardens on Lovelock Avenue, The Northern Cemetery is the final resting place of some famous New Zealand souls.

Opened in 1870, for development the first burial took place in 1872. There are over 17,700 people buried in this graveyard. The wealth generated during the gold rush is evident here with some of the most impressive tombstones in the Southern hemisphere on display. There are so many stories etched in stone so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to immerse yourself in the social history of Dunedin’s past. Bring your tissues, as plenty of the stories are tragic ones. A highlight of the Northern Cemetery is the recently restored Larnach Tomb. By day or night this is truly impressive and it is said to house the ghosts of the Larnach family. If they're not from Larnach, maybe the ghosts belong to Dunedin’s executed criminals who were moved here from Dunedin Prison in 1899.

How to get there?

Lovelock Avenue is a 7-minute drive from the city centre. Public transport runs every 10 minutes along St George, Normanby. Jump off at Dundas Street for a short walk to Lovelock Avenue or continue on to the Botanical gardens and walk to the upper gardens and on to the cemetery.

What to bring?

  • Sensible shoes: Dunedin is a hilly place and you will thank me for this tip

  • Camera: There are some fantastic photographic opportunities with great views over the city​.

Take time to smell the roses. @jacktheclicker

Take time to smell the roses. @jacktheclicker

What may surprise you?

Apart from the ghost stories and tragic tales there is also a botanical treat in store for you with many varieties of trees and shrubs. During the summer months the heritage roses on display add another dimension to this fascinating location.

Who will you meet?

There are many famous souls here but the following are worth meeting:

  • William Larnach

  • Thomas Bracken

  • Joe Scott

  • Thomas Hocken

  • Charles Speignt

  • William Jarvey

© Andrew Smith—Hair Raiser Tours

Andrew Smith
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