Initiatives | Spookers Haunted Attractions
begin... “You get the ones who can’t bear to open their eyes the entire time, then there are the big staunch guys who come out the end holding their girlfriends in front of them…” She certainly knows what she’s talking about. Scaring is a family business for Watson, whose parents Andy and Beth created the world’s first CornEvil in Marton, south-east of Wanganui, and who still oversee franchises in the Bay of Plenty and the Hawke’s Bay with more franchises opening offshore. A horticulturalist by trade, Beth Watson developed an autoimmune disease and was seeking an alternative source of income when she decided to turn their maize crop into a tourist attraction. The Amazing Maze ‘n Maize, a family friendly day-time version opened in 1999, followed by CornEvil the following year and then a Haunted Woolshed. On fright nights at Spookers, her husband Andy’s alter ego is Old Man Joe, a lascivious drooler with a taste for pretty girls. Back home in Marton, he’s district councillor, which explains why a holographic haunted portrait now features on the council chamber walls. He’s travelled as far as the United States to attend haunt shows. Fear, he says, holds a primeval allure. “Guys like to see their wife or girlfriend scream.” Each month, some 40 to 50 wannabe scarers turn up to audition at Spookers. They’re a colourful bunch; ranging from accountants and teachers, to dancers, kick boxers and hospital staff.
Horrors on offer... Haunted House Unmatched horror awaits you within the walls of the Spookers Haunted House. Mutated half living men, souls of the damned and bloody corpses of the undead lie in wait. Restless and hungry, these creatures of the night will have no mercy upon you. Come prepared. The Spookers Haunted House may well be the last thing you ever do.
Freaky Forest Step into the dark trees and become engulfed by darkness, fear and heart pounding terror. This forest is inhabited by horror that no man has ever experienced before. Don’t be fooled — you are not safe until you escape. There will be no mercy upon your soul and the sound of your screams will only spur them on.
Disturbia Beware of the Vortex where you’ll be pulled in and turned inside out. Which way is up? Disturbia is an unusual mind trip through a maze of fluorescent colours. Around every turn you will find shocking 3D effects and scares that seem to appear from nowhere. Take a walk on the wild side… Spookers Haunted Attractions 833 Kingseat Road RD1, Papakura, Auckland T (09) 291 9002 E Julia@spookers.co.nz www.spookers.co.nz — Advertising Feature
www.aucklandtoday.net.nz August/September 2011 | 35