Top 13 Haunted and Spooky Places in New Zealand

In celebration of this spooktacular month of October. I combined my passion for curiosity, traveling, and all things spooky to make this guide for some of the most haunted places in New Zealand. 🎃

What’s my favorite part about Halloween? Definitely not the tedious task of dressing up in a costume. It’s been so long since I’ve attended a Halloween party, and the glorious days of trick-or-treating are sadly behind me. However, I am a HUGE fan of horror/thriller films and anything that scares the crap out of me. Why do I torture myself this way? A mystery yet to be solved.

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Kingseat Psychiatric Hospital, Auckland

When:
Founded in 1932 and closed in 1999.

Then:
When the site was used as an actual psychiatric hospital, there were numerous reports of abuse on the patients in residence. Apparently, staff suicide was common on the grounds. NZ Herald wrote an article on the possibility of an 8 year old boy named Clem and the mystery and possible cover up surrounding his death in the hospital.

Now:
This creepy hospital and its grounds are used as sites for Spookers, a haunted theme park company. It is also sometimes used as a location for paintball games.

Creepy Paranormal Activities:
An article from Daily Mail stated that ”One of the most prolific reports is of the ‘Grey Nurse’, believed to be the ghost of a former worker who died while the psychiatric hospital was still operational.The property contains abandoned nurse’s quarters where the apparition is meant to have been spotted lurking in the shadows.” The site was visited by the local paranormal investigative team Haunted Auckland. While the findings were inconclusive, the team reported having unexplainable experiences while on site.

Spooky Meter: 4 Stars
The Kingseat Psychiatric hospital is commonly ranked as the most haunted place in New Zealand. With a sad and sordid past, it reminds us of the ghosts from the past and the long way we’ve come(and still to go) from the mistreatment of patients with mental health illnesses.

 

Carlile House, Auckland

When:
Built in 1880s.

Then:
The Carlile House was first known as “the Costley Home for Boys” in the 1880s. It has been an orphanage, evangelical Christians, remand house, school, and hostel. There’s an urban legend about a fire that occurred here, in which 43 children perished. However the factualness of this claim has been refuted and appears to be just a urban legend.

Now:
No repair or renovation was done to this building since the 1970s as it continues to deteriorate today.

Creepy Paranormal Activities:
There’s been claims from believers, hearing cries of help from children on a quiet night. People also talk about a nurse who died in the supposed fire and her ghost reappearing.

Spooky Meter: 3 stars
I browsed through some photos online of the Carlile House on Richmond, and can understand why some believe this place to be haunted. The looks of this deteriorated 130+ year old house inside and out definitely gives me the creeps. Even though the legend of a fire and its related death appears to be just a myth and story, this old abandoned house still holds much history and intrigue.

 

Carrington Psychiatric Hospital, (Now: Unitec Institute of Technology) Auckland

When:
In 1853, Auckland’s first asylum was built on the grounds.

Then:
According to an article by Haunted Auckland, “In the late 1800s, committed patients averaged 900 in number, with an estimated average of eight deaths a year. The Asylum was gutted by fire twice. On 20 September 1877, the first of two major fires occurred at the Lunatic Asylum that century. There were more deaths among both patients and staff in the following years. It is estimated that hundreds of people died on the site during its 130 years of operation as a mental institute.

Now:
The original building is now used by Unitec’s departments of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Design and Contemporary Arts.

Creepy Paranormal Activities:
There’s been reports of paranormal activities by students and staff of Unitec. Such as being ‘pushed’ on stairs, items moving off shelves on its own, flickering lights, and voices when no one else is around, doors slamming, etc…

Spooky Meter: 4 stars
Yet another poorly run psychiatric hospital with ghosts from the past. There are so many eerie accounts and reports made by students and staff, as well as the paranormal investigative team. I would definitely not want to be on campus at night or in one of those building’s basements by myself!

 

Alberton House, Auckland

Image: Archives New Zealand

When:
Built in 1862.

Then:
One of Auckland’s original homes, the Alberton House was built by Allan Kerr Taylor in 1862. Taylor was born in India to British parents in 1832 and migrated to New Zealand at age 16. His brothers were already residing in Auckland and had established Glen Innes and Glendowie farms. Taylor and his large family of 10 children lived in this house.

Now:
In 1972, the house was gifted by the last of Allan’s 10 children to Heritage New Zealand. The property hosts community events and is used for filming productions today. You can enter and take a tour of the house on Wed-Sun for a small fee.

Creepy Paranormal Activities:
There’s been sightings of a woman dressed in Victorian clothes on the property when no one else was supposed to have been around. Many psychics or spiritually inclined individuals has been called to certain rooms of the house. Most accounts of these sightings and energies have been described as “positive”.

Spooky Meter: 1 star
Perhaps haunted by happy ghosts, this colonial style house seems to host no malevolent spirits or energy. It does however seem like a good place to visit with the family on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

 

Waitomo Caves Hotel, Waitomo

Image: Timo

When:
Construction of the hotel started in 1908. Book a night here.

Then:
Built in 1908, and extended in 1928, New Zealand’s Waitomo Caves Hotel has a reputation for supernatural activity. Located at a high point near the Waitomo caves, many of which are considered sacred by local Maori. Supposedly, one of the ghosts is a Maori princess who was shot after attempting to visit a British soldier she was in love with. The hotel itself is built on the site of a British fort.

Now:
Today, the hotel is still used by visitors to the Waitomo Caves and surrounding area. It overlooks the Waitomo Village and Caves, parts of it renovated and according to the hotel’s website, they have comfortable beds and a decadent spa. All paranormal activities are ‘playful’ and the hotel remains to have a positive atmosphere.

Creepy Paranormal Activities:
There’s reportedly sightings of a Maori couple dressed in Victorian clothing, and the temperature likes to get wonky in the hotel beds and baths.

Spooky Meter: 2 stars
The Waitomo Caves Hotel sounds like a nice spot to enjoy a weekend exploring the area. The claimed ghost sightings seemed to mean no harm to its guests.

 

St James Theatre, Wellington

When:
First opened in 1912.

Then:
St James theatre is a stage theatre located in the heart of Wellington. The land that it sits on was used as a church before famous entertainer John Fuller bought in in 1899. It was nearly demolished in the 80s due to the decline of its popularity, partly because there were newer venues in town such as the Opera House. There were also rumors of ghosts haunting the theatre which didn’t help its reputation either.

Now:
Restoration efforts have been put to this cultural heritage landmark throughout the years. Most recently, it went under earthquake strengthening in 2018, and the building is reported to reopen sometime in 2019.

Creepy Paranormal Activities:
In an article by Stuff, famous Wellington filmmaker Peter Jackson claimed he saw a screaming face lady ghost while living in his apartment right across from the St James Theatre. She is also known as the “Wailing Woman” who was thought to have committed suicide after being booed off the stage at St James. Other possible activities include the ghost of Yuri, a Russian performer who supposedly fell to his death inside the theatre, as well as the ghost of Stan Andrews, wheezing around backstage at night.

Spooky Meter 3.5 stars
An old theatre with tragic tales of performers’ deaths and hauntings? Just imagining the theatre in its initial days of glory to the decline and final abandonment just feels super sad and creepy to me. Since it’s currently going under restoration, I wonder what other ghosts they might dig up?

 

The Masonic Hotel, Napier

When:
The first Masonic Hotel opened in 1861. Book a night here.

Then:
In 1896, the hotel was destroyed by fire and again by an earthquake in 1931. In 1932, the Masonic Hotel was redesigned with a more simple symmetrical structure, however the exterior structure has remained nearly unchanged since its first construction.

Now:
You can find and book a room in this hotel under the name Art Deco Masonic Hotel. The accommodation received highly praised 5 star reviews from its guests as well as several hospitality awards.

Creepy Paranormal Activities:
According to Haunted Auckland: “There have been other deaths both natural and unnatural in the century-and-a-half since the hotel was first built. A chef once died in one of the hotel’s baths and a regular resident to the Masonic, a man who returned to stay there for weeks at a time every year, same room, same season, died in the elevator. Staff have also reported mysterious music, strange lights, apparitions and cold spots.”

Spooky Meter: 2 stars
The findings by the paranormal investigative team seemed to be inconclusive. However, It’s incredible to learn about the Masonic Hotel’s history. A building that has undergone destruction caused by fire and earthquakes, being rebuilt and redesigned over the years. Perhaps the next spot (also located in Napier), will rank higher on our Spooky Meter.

 

Napier Prison, Napier

When:
First constructed in 1862.

Then:
The Napier Prison was the very first prison in New Zealand. After it’s initial construction in 1862, the prison was used until the early 1990s, and decommissioned in 1993. The location was also once used as an orphanage and psychiatric unit. Talk about a triple threat.

Now:
The prison grounds have since become a popular tourist attraction. You can find day and night tours to take a walk through the place that held 4 hangings and housed the mass murderer Roland Edwards.

Creepy Paranormal Activities
There have been many reports of ghostly occurrences at the site such as unexplained footsteps, disembodied faces, doors opening and closing on their own, and the ghost of a murderer on the anniversary of his execution.(Wiki) Mark Wallbank at Haunted Auckland spent a night there by himself to record and investigate any possible activities. He reported electronics and equipment kept malfunctioning all night, such as pausing itself for no reason. *GASP*

Spooky Meter: 4 stars
The Napier prison has been utilized as the cream of the crop creepy institutions. A prison, an orphanage, AND psychiatric unit? I can just taste the bad vibes oozing out of its walls of this place. Regardless of any actual paranormal sightings, the sinister and tragic elements alone tied to this place gives me the creeps.

 

Vulcan Hotel, St Bathans

When:
Built in 1882.

Then:
Now a ghost town attraction, St Bathans used to be a gold and coal mining town, located in the Otago region. St Bathans was formerly known as Dunstan Creek and its infamous historic hotel the Vulcan Hotel was originally called Ballarat Hotel.

Now:
As mentioned above, St Bathans is now a ghost town with less than 10 living inhabitants according to Stuff. Believers come to this former mining town hoping to catch a glimpse of some non-living inhabitants.

Creepy Paranormal Activities:
The most famous resident is a prostitute named ‘The Rose’ who died more than a 100 years ago and is reported to haunt the Vulcan Hotel. Apparently every January, St Bathans hosts a ghost hunt and village party.

Spooky Meter: 1 star
The low rating is not to discount anything else this ghost town may have to offer. However as far as creepy goes, I’m not thoroughly convinced. Maybe because I view ghost towns more as abandoned tourist attractions with the perks of marveling at old buildings.

 

Larnach Castle, Dunedin

Image: Diego Delso
When:
First built in 1870 by William Larnach

Then:
Around 200 workers built the main structure by using imported materials from around the world. William Larnach built this mock castle to be his home residence, and committed suicide after a string of personal and financial woes in 1898. (including the death of his daughter, first and second wife) The Larnach family sold the house in 1906.

Now:
In 1967, the Larnach Castle was bought by the Barkers and they began restoration and renovation of the castle and grounds. They also installed a new garden that was given prominent status by the New Zealand Gardens Trust. It is now a tourist destination, opened to public 365 days a year.

Creepy Paranormal Activities:
Margaret Barker recounts the most paranormal event that has occurred in the castle:
“It was a night to remember. As the guests arrived a terrible storm blew up from nowhere. The smoke from the fires blew back down the chimneys so that you couldn’t see – and your eyes hurt. Hail crashed on the iron roof so that you couldn’t hear. Doors mysteriously opened by themselves and it got very cold. In the play – just as Larnach shot himself there was a blinding white light. Afterwards at supper people were talking about the lightning strike as Larnach held a gun to his head. I said `Oh no that was stage effects.’ We asked the stage manager. He said `It was none of our doing, it was lightning.’ I think that Larnach was present that night. He didn’t like the play.”
There’s also been reported accounts of cranky spirits, touches, pushing and other odd occurrences at the castle.

Spooky Meter: 2 stars
I’m uncertain if Barker’s account of the spooky night was told to help attract more visitors. However, as castle history goes, the Larnach Castle bears only scratches and bruises compare to some other more notable and historical castles around the world.

 

Chateau Tongariro

Image: anoldent

When:
Building completed in 1929.

Then:
In 1887, the Chief of Ngati Tuwharetoa gifted the tribes land(including the sacred mountain of Ruapehu) to the people of New Zealand. This gifting was to make sure the area’s protection for all time and all people. In 1925, a new road was built to give access to Mt. Ruapehu, constructed by laborers from the Whakapapa prison camp. According to Haunted Auckland, The Chateau became an asylum when an earthquake damaged a hospital in Wellington and then served as a recuperation center for Air Force personnel returning from World War II. In 1948, newly renovated, the Chateau reopened to provide accommodation for visitors to Mt Ruapehu and the Tongariro National Park.

Now:
Today, the Hotel + resort Chateau Tongariro offers its guests outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking and trout fishing.

Creepy Paranormal Activities:
There’s been multiple accounts by guests who stayed in Chateau Tongarito about unexplainable occurrences in their rooms. Cold spots, uneasiness, items sliding off the tables on its own, and more. Some tales mention a nurse named Charlotte who was said to have died in one of the rooms, and that she continues to make her presence today.

Spooky Meter: 4 stars
Chateau Tongariro is said to resemble the hotel from the famous Stephen King adaption The Shining. I find it easy to believe that from its run as an asylum and recuperation center, there’s bound to be some bad energy and spirits left behind.

 

Spirits Bay, North Island

Image: williamsphotography

About:
The Spirits Bay is considered a sacred place in Maori culture. According to local legend, this is where the spirits of the dead gather to depart from our world before traveling to their ancestral home. Spirits Bay is located at the northernmost area of New Zealand. There are campsites near by, and visitors can participate in a variety of activities such as hiking, fishing, and swimming. Check out this NZ Geographic article for some interesting insights into why this place is so special not only in a spiritual sense.

Creepy Paranormal Activities:
Haunted Auckland mentioned in an article, “Spirits Bay is claimed to be one of the most haunted locations in New Zealand. According to legend, if visiting the bay at night you can observe multiple individual spirits traveling down the beach before disappearing at a single spot. The claims are these spirits ignore any attempts to interact or delay them, and are solely focused on their destination. These are believed to be souls departing the island as mentioned in the Māori legend. In the nearby Tom Bowling Bay there is a stream, the Kapo-Wairua., name literally meaning “Snatching Souls.” This is said to be a reference to demons who try to snatch at the spirits passing that way.”

Spooky Meter: 2.5 stars
I have absolute respect to the indigenous people of New Zealand and their beliefs about this sacred area. I would say it’s less spooky and perhaps more spiritual. Either way, Spirits Bay is definitely on my top 10 list of places to visit in New Zealand.

 

Abel Tasman Coast

About:
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a 60 kilometers long track within the Abel Tasman National Park. It goes from Marahau in the south to Wainui in the north. The entire trail takes 3-5 days to complete but some visitors opt for single day walks.

Creepy Paranormal Activities
According to an article by Sue Copsey, “A phantom Maori canoe is sometimes seen on still nights in the area around Appleby.
In an article by Up Country, there’s mention of an old farm house inside the Abel Tasman National Park that may be haunted. “Whariwharangi Bay Hut is the northernmost hut on Abel Tasman Track. The story goes that the hut is haunted by the ghost of a 19th century sailor who was killed by Maori. Several visitors have reported strange goings on there, and perhaps the best example is the tale told by a young tramper from Christchurch. While staying in the hut during the night of a full moon, she claimed to have witnessed the spectral form of a young man bending over a sea chest. ”

Spooky Meter: 2 stars
I can’t imagine worrying about spooky spirits when I’m surrounded by such beautiful and incredible landscapes. I do love some myths and urban legends about the Abel Tasman Coast. It definitely adds even more depth and intrigue to this already stunning national park.

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