TThe Ghosts of Lake Alice Hospital: New Zealand's Infamous Haunted Institution

Located in the rural heart of the North Island of New Zealand, Lake Alice Hospital is infamous not only for its troubling history but also for the reports of hauntings and ghostly encounters that have plagued the site over the years. Originally opened in the 1950s as a psychiatric facility, the hospital became notorious for its controversial treatments and the abuse suffered by many of its patients. As with many places steeped in such dark history, Lake Alice has become a magnet for paranormal activity, with numerous accounts of spirits and unexplained phenomena haunting the once notorious institution.

The History of Lake Alice Hospital

Lake Alice Hospital was established in 1950 near the small town of Marton. Originally conceived as a psychiatric hospital, it was intended to provide treatment and care for those with mental illnesses, especially children. However, the facility quickly gained a reputation for controversial treatment methods, including the use of electric shock therapy, insulin coma therapy, and, most notably, the so-called "behavior modification" techniques used on young patients.

In the 1970s, it became widely known for the horrific practices that were inflicted on its patients, many of whom were subjected to cruel, experimental treatments. One of the most disturbing chapters in the hospital’s history was the so-called "Childrens’ Ward," where young patients were reportedly given electric shock therapy as a means of discipline rather than treatment. These practices were largely conducted under the leadership of Dr. Selwyn Leeks, whose methods would later be regarded as inhumane and unethical.

By the late 1980s, Lake Alice Hospital began to close its doors, partly due to the public outcry and the exposure of the institution’s practices. In 1999, the hospital officially shut down. However, it was during this period of operation, particularly during the 1970s, that numerous allegations of abuse surfaced, and many patients suffered lifelong psychological trauma.

Since its closure, the haunting of Lake Alice Hospital has become a part of New Zealand's paranormal lore, with the ghosts of former patients and staff said to still haunt the abandoned grounds. The tragic history of the hospital, coupled with its dark past, makes it a site of both fascination and terror for those brave enough to explore its eerie halls.

The Ghostly Encounters

Over the years, there have been numerous reports of paranormal activity at Lake Alice Hospital, from apparitions to unexplained noises and objects moving of their own accord. The following are some of the most notable ghost stories tied to the site.

The Children’s Spirits

One of the most common and chilling tales involves the spirits of children who died or were severely mistreated during their time at Lake Alice. Many visitors and paranormal investigators claim to hear the sounds of children laughing, crying, or even whispering their names in the halls and empty rooms. These ethereal sounds are said to emanate from the abandoned children’s ward, where young patients were housed and often subjected to cruel treatments.

In some instances, the ghostly figures of children are reportedly seen running through the halls or peering out from windows, their faces twisted in expressions of fear or confusion. One particularly unsettling story tells of a visitor who entered the children’s ward and felt an overwhelming sensation of sadness and dread. When they turned to leave, they saw a figure of a child standing in the doorway, watching them with hollow eyes.

Dr. Selwyn Leeks’ Ghost

Given the dark legacy of Dr. Selwyn Leeks, it’s no surprise that his ghost is often cited as one of the most malevolent spirits at Lake Alice. Dr. Leeks, who oversaw the hospital’s controversial treatments, has been reported to appear in the form of a shadowy figure, usually seen in the hospital’s old treatment rooms or corridors. Witnesses who have encountered the apparition describe feeling a sense of intense hostility and unease, with some saying they’ve even felt physically pushed or grabbed by an invisible force.

Some believe that Dr. Leeks’ ghost is tied to the guilt and torment of his actions during his time at the hospital. He reportedly died in 2005, but his presence seems to linger, casting a dark shadow over the facility’s already sinister reputation.

The Eerie Noises

Visitors to the hospital often report hearing unexplained sounds, particularly during the night. These noises include the sound of footsteps echoing in empty hallways, doors slamming shut on their own, and faint whispers that seem to come from nowhere. Some have even described hearing the sounds of electric shock machines buzzing in the distance, an eerie reminder of the disturbing treatments once carried out within the walls of the hospital.

There are also reports of strange electronic disturbances, lights flickering on and off, radios turning on by themselves, and even machinery powering up without any human intervention. These strange occurrences further add to the belief that the spirits of Lake Alice Hospital have not left the site and are perhaps tied to the trauma that took place within.

The Haunted Staff Rooms

Some of the most disturbing encounters at Lake Alice involve the staff rooms, which were once used by nurses and orderlies. The spirits of former employees are said to still walk the halls, perhaps tied to the guilt of their involvement in the abusive practices that occurred at the hospital. One of the most common stories involves a nurse who heard whispers and footsteps behind her as she walked the now abandoned corridors of the staff rooms. When she turned around, no one was there, but the sounds continued to follow her, as though a ghostly figure was walking just behind her.

In another instance, a visitor claimed to have seen a figure dressed in a nurse’s uniform standing in a staff room window. When they approached for a closer look, the figure disappeared without a trace.

Why Is Lake Alice Haunted?

The reasons for the paranormal activity at Lake Alice Hospital may be tied to the extreme suffering and trauma experienced by its former patients. Many believe that the abuse and mistreatment of vulnerable individuals—particularly children—left an imprint on the building, creating a haunting presence that refuses to rest. In paranormal circles, it is commonly believed that traumatic events, especially those involving extreme pain, suffering, and death, can cause an energy residue that manifests as hauntings or apparitions.

The history of the hospital, coupled with its closure and abandonment, creates an environment ripe for paranormal activity. The energy of the land itself, combined with the dark memories of those who lived and died there, has likely contributed to the widespread belief that Lake Alice is one of New Zealand’s most haunted locations.

The Legacy of Lake Alice

Despite its dark past, Lake Alice Hospital remains a subject of fascination for those interested in the supernatural and New Zealand’s haunted history. Today, the abandoned site stands as a somber reminder of the institution's troubling legacy. The ghosts of Lake Alice are more than just spectral apparitions they represent the pain and suffering of those who were unjustly treated and have left their mark on the world.

For those brave enough to visit, Lake Alice offers more than just a glimpse into the past; it’s an encounter with the spirits that still linger there, a haunting reminder of the horrors that once took place behind its walls. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, the chilling history and ghostly legends surrounding Lake Alice Hospital make it one of the most spine-tingling locations in New Zealand.