Queenstown: Haunted House Fear Factory with Live Actors

Summary

Queenstown’s haunted house chills with live actors & surprises

You’ll follow a trail of red lights through Queenstown’s haunted house with live actors lurking in the shadows. Expect nervous laughter, heart-pounding moments, and maybe even a spot on their infamous Chicken List if you can’t make it to the end. This experience is best shared with friends—and you’ll remember those screams long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to actually grab my friend’s arm that hard, but the moment we stepped into the old Lockhart Hotel on Beach Street, my nerves just kind of took over. It smells like dust and something metallic, maybe old pipes or just my imagination running wild. Our guide at the door—she called herself “Maddie the Keeper”—winked and handed us a safe word in case we wanted out. I laughed then, but honestly, it was comforting knowing there was an escape route.

Inside Fear Factory Queenstown, it’s pitch black except for these little red lights leading the way. You hear things before you see them—shuffling feet, a door creaking somewhere behind you (or above? I couldn’t tell). My friend whispered that she thought she felt someone brush past her shoulder, but when I turned around, there was nothing. The live actors don’t jump out all at once; they wait until your guard is down. One of them got so close I could smell cheap cologne and latex paint—my heart was pounding in my ears.

Halfway through, I almost said the safe word (I won’t lie), but then someone up ahead started laughing—nervous laughter is contagious, you know? We kept moving because no one wants to end up on that Chicken List they keep talking about. The whole thing lasts about 30 minutes but feels longer when you’re inside. When we finally stumbled out into daylight again, Maddie high-fived us and said we did better than most. I still think about that weird mix of fear and relief every time I walk past Beach Street now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Experience Fear Factory haunted house

• Arrive at Fear Factory Queenstown
• Enter old Lockhart Hotel hallways
• Follow trail of red lights
• Walk through haunted corridors
• Face live-action horror scenes
• Complete 30-minute haunted house tour

Top questions

How long does the Fear Factory Queenstown experience last?

The haunted house experience takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish.

Is Fear Factory Queenstown suitable for children?

Older children can join if accompanied by an adult; under 15s must have a parent or guardian with them.

Where is Fear Factory Queenstown located?

It’s based on Beach Street in central Queenstown (CBD), inside the old Lockhart Hotel building.

Can I go alone or do I need a group?

You can go alone or with friends; most people prefer going in groups but solo visitors are welcome too.

What happens if I get too scared inside?

You can use a safe word to exit early; if you do, your name goes on their Chicken List.

Are there any health restrictions for this activity?

This activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with severe heart conditions or photosensitive epilepsy.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Fear Factory Queenstown.

What’s included

Your entry includes around 30 minutes exploring the haunted hallways of Queenstown’s Fear Factory with live actors throughout—and if you want out early, just use your safe word and Maddie will let you escape back to daylight (and maybe add your name to their famous Chicken List).