List of reportedly haunted locations in New Zealand facts for kids

Have you ever wondered if ghosts are real? New Zealand has many places where people say they've seen or felt strange things. This article explores some of the most famous reportedly haunted spots across the country, from old houses to theatres and even a castle!

Haunted Places in the North Island

Auckland's Spooky Spots

Highwic House, a historic home in Auckland.

Alberton, Auckland

This old house in Auckland has a first floor where many people claim to have seen ghostly women dressed in old-fashioned Victorian clothes. It's like stepping back in time!

Ewelme Cottage, Auckland

Some people believe that Ewelme Cottage is home to the spirits of women and children. A young girl's ghost has reportedly been seen near an oak tree in the garden.

Highwic, Auckland

Visitors and staff at Highwic have reported seeing a ghost in one of the bedrooms. It's also said that a ghostly dog lives here! A spokesperson once mentioned seeing a black dog running across the garden towards the edge of the property.

The PumpHouse Theatre, Auckland

Many people who work or visit The PumpHouse Theatre have reported feeling like they are being watched. Sometimes, props go missing only to reappear a few minutes later! There have also been flashes of someone watching from the side of the stage. People think this ghost is Margaret Escott, a former theatre worker.

Wellington's Ghostly Tales

The historic St James Theatre in Wellington.

St James Theatre, Wellington

The St James Theatre is famous for its many ghost stories. One of the most talked-about ghosts is Yuri, a Russian performer who supposedly fell to his death from high above the stage. Another spirit said to haunt the theatre is the "Wailing Woman," believed to be the ghost of an actress.

Archives New Zealand and Department of Internal Affairs buildings, Wellington

Even government buildings can have ghost stories! Staff at the Archives New Zealand building have talked about a "famous" ghost in the basement. Also, workers at the Department of Internal Affairs head office reportedly took a photo of a "spectre" (a ghostly figure) on the 13th floor.

Other Haunted Locations in the North Island

Kingseat Hospital, Karaka

This building used to be a psychiatric hospital. Over 100 ghostly sightings have been reported here, making it one of the most active paranormal sites.

Napier Prison, Napier

At Napier Prison, people have claimed to hear footsteps and voices when no one is around. Doors have also been reported to open or close by themselves. Many believe the spirit of a former prisoner, Roland Herbert Edwards, still haunts the prison.

Piwhane / Spirits Bay, Northland

This bay is very special to the Māori. According to their traditions, it's the place where the spirits of people who have passed away gather before they leave this world to travel to their ancestral home or afterlife.

Waitomo Caves Hotel, Waikato

The Waitomo Caves Hotel is said to be haunted by several spirits. These include a Māori man, a woman dressed in Victorian clothes, and a young girl.

Haunted Places in the South Island

Dunedin's Eerie Encounters

Larnach Castle, a famous landmark in Dunedin.

Cumberland College, Dunedin

Cumberland College is rumored to be haunted by a spirit known as "the Grey Lady." This ghost might be from the time when the college building was used as a hostel for nurses.

Former Fortune Theatre, Dunedin

Soon after the Fortune Theatre moved into an old church building, stories began about "sinister voices" being heard backstage. Lights that were securely fastened would also fall from the ceiling! Theatregoers have also reported seeing a phantom audience member many times.

Larnach Castle, Dunedin

Larnach Castle is believed to be haunted by at least two ghosts. People think these spirits are William Larnach, who built the castle, and his daughter Eliza.

Regent Theatre, Dunedin

At the Regent Theatre, electrical appliances and taps have reportedly turned themselves on or off. Theatre visitors have also claimed to feel someone or something kicking the underside of their seats. The theatre was built on the site of buildings that were destroyed in a big, deadly fire.

Other Haunted Locations in the South Island

The Vulcan Hotel in Saint Bathans.

Riccarton Racecourse Hotel, Christchurch

The ghost of a former owner of this hotel is said to walk the corridors, looking for the person who caused their death.

Seacliff Lunatic Asylum, Otago

The area where the former Seacliff Lunatic Asylum once stood is believed to be haunted by several former patients.

Vulcan Hotel, Saint Bathans

The Vulcan Hotel is possibly New Zealand's most famous haunted building. Room 1 of the hotel is reportedly home to the spirit of a young woman who died there in the 1880s.

See also

• Ghosts and spirits in Māori culture
• List of haunted locations
• Haunted Auckland / Paranormal New Zealand