'Haunted' Kiwi attraction Spookers is up for sale, but so far, prospective buyers have been slow in coming forward.
Originally put up for sale in 2018, Spookers was taken off the market while a prospective buyer dug deeper into the opportunity. The deal fell through and the owners put it back on the market a week ago.
Described on Trade Me as a 'profitable, fun, award-winning and world-famous business based in Auckland', the family who has owned Spookers for almost 15 years say it now needs a new keeper.
"[Parents] Andy and Beth live six hours' drive away. Andy is the Mayor of Rangitikei, Beth wants to spend more time at home and I have young children," managing director Julia Tukiri said.
Opening its doors as New Zealand's first haunted R16 'scream park' in September 2005, Spookers is based at the former grounds of Kingseat Hospital which housed psychiatric patients from 1932 to 1999.
Given the site's history - and that it's filled with scary, menacing characters to this day - is there truth to the rumours that the attraction is in fact, haunted?
"Some staff have experienced 'something'," Tukiri confirmed.
But if a potential buyer is scared off by this admission, the following should put their mind at rest.
"The building has been blessed".
Included in the sale are indoor attractions 'Haunted House' and 'Disturbia', together with 'The Fog' and an outdoor experience, 'The Woods'. Described on the Spookers website as a place where people tired of the mundane can experience 'spine chilling, blood spilling, thrilling, terrifying horror', the interactive R16 attraction is not for the faint-hearted.
"Our oldest 'victim' was 94.
"When she came through with her 93-year old husband, they were ready to start 'living their lives'," Tukiri said.
"People come to Spookers to feel alive: they love screaming followed by hysterical laughter."
Use of the land at 833 Kingseat Road is under lease agreement and the attractions, cafe/bars and function room are all up for grabs.
Having started the country's first zombie fun run 'Run for your freak'n life', the owners say they have a figure in mind, but offers will be "considered".
While not for everyone, this unique business could appeal to a thrill-seeker keen to work with like-minded people to reinvent options for Kiwi entertainment.
"We have an incredibly diverse, creative, loving and talented workforce," Tukiri said.
"Fellow 'Spookers' are their family and are all accepted and celebrated for who they are."
As Spookers awaits its next victim: this time, a potential buyer, one can only hope that keeping its legacy alive doesn't come back to haunt them.
