Christchurch in October has sublime spring weather, blooming flora and cool temps ranging from about 6°c to 17°c. The springtime blooms mix well with the spooky excitement as Halloween gets closer and even though it’s not a widely-celebrated holiday in New Zealand, most of the locals love spooking visitors with some local lore.
So if you're a lover of thrilling and eerie experiences, the city has plenty to keep you entertained, with a number of Halloween-worthy activities like supposedly haunted attractions and chilling local tales that are perfect for the scary season.
Gondola Ghosts and Spooky Caves
The famous Christchurch Gondola not only offers gorgeous views over the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean, but it’s also said to be haunted! According to local legend, ghosts and other figures have been spotted near the summit and some visitors report feeling an eerie presence while using the gondola.
In October, the ride feels even spookier as the days lead up to Halloween. If you’re keen to mix both thrills and chills, this is a fun and affordable experience you’ll definitely have to try.
The relaxing Sea Kayaking Lyttelton Harbour & Quail Island Tour has some potential scares too. Quail Island has a morbid history of being the site where leprosy patients were quarantined from 1906 to 1927, later becoming an animal quarantine site into the 1930s. This tour also features a paddle through a ship’s graveyard, so there’s plenty of things to spark the dark side of your imagination.
If you don’t mind travelling for more spooks, the fascinating Underworld Cave Rafting tour on the West Coast is also worth a visit. This eerie adventure takes you through ancient limestone caves, with only the sound of dripping water and the sparkle of glow-worms to keep you company. It’s like travelling through an alien world.
Other Spooky Spots
Christchurch in October is perfect for exploring the city’s historic sites, many of which are said to be haunted. The city also comes alive with costume parties and haunted house experiences around the city. Our Things To Do in Christchurch page can help you find more exciting activities.
