The Top 5 Haunted Places in Wellington
David Sims
| Last Updated: March 2024 I never used to think ghosts or haunted areas were real. That changed after spending a night at the old Cambridge Hotel. By the end of that night, I became a believer in all things paranormal – and I’ve gone on my fair share of ghost hunts to find more haunted places since!
It’s easy enough since Wellington has its share of areas that appear to be haunted. If you’re a fellow believer of the supernatural – or just want to go to the creepiest spots in the city – here are the most haunted areas in Wellington and why.
1. Wellington Town Hall
Address: 109 Wakefield Street, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone: +64 4 499 4444
Among the top haunted spots is the grand dame herself, the Wellington Town Hall. This building with its iconic clock tower has been gracing the skyline since the early 1900s, and it appears that some people who used to grace its halls might not have entirely moved on.
There’s been stories abound of security guards getting spooked by sudden drops in temperature, unexplained noises echoing through empty corridors, and footsteps when no one’s around.
Things get even more interesting with reports of sightings—some claim to have seen ghostly figures flitting about the place. Adding fuel to the fire, the Wellington City Council themselves shared some intriguing tidbits from their archives.
Apparently, there are photos from there that show strange transparent figures! Now, these could be a product of the developing technology back then, but they sure do add to the spooky vibe.
Pro Tip: While ghost tours might take you by the Town Hall at night, if you’re looking for a true Wellingtonian experience, try attending one of their daytime events.
2. Cambridge Hotel
Address: 28 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone: +64 4 801 1950
The Cambridge Hotel is another location known to have become a bit haunted.
Guests have sometimes reported some eerie events.
Others claim that they have experienced a mysterious push on their bed, as if someone or something unseen had jumped on it. Some people say that they perceive a strange sensation at the top of the stairs, as if someone is pushing them.
Now, these could also be easily explained by stress or overactive imaginations.
Pro Tip: Ask the staff of the hotel about the ghost stories they heard.
3. Inverlochy House
Address: 3 Inverlochy Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 2 PM
Phone: +6449392177
If you enjoy a bit of supernatural mystery, Inverlochy House is worth visiting (from a safe distance, maybe). This historic building, now an art school, has been giving people strange feelings since the 1970s.
Some witnesses report odd experiences. Objects seem to move without anyone touching them, and some folks have even claimed to see a young woman in old-time clothes floating around the first floor.
It could be the spirit of someone who died in a fire there long ago, but that’s just a guess.
Pro Tip: If you feel brave (or maybe just very curious), the Wellington Heritage Festival sometimes offers spooky history tours that include Inverlochy House. But even if you don’t see any ghosts, you’ll still get to learn about the fascinating history of this grand old building.
4. St James Theatre
Address: 87/77 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone: +6448014231
One of the most haunted places in the city is the historic St. James Theatre. This performance venue has a reputation for more than just dazzling shows. Many believe it’s home to resident ghosts!
The most famous ghost is said to be Yuri, a Russian performer who either fell or was pushed from the high fly rigging. Some say he tinkers with the lights after cleaners leave.
Also roaming backstage is the wheezing ghost of American actor Stan Andrews. Others speak of a mysterious tall man in the shadows. And the lost boys’ choir can be heard echoing.
Pro Tip: If you want a spooky St. James experience, try a late-night performance. With creaking floors and hushed sounds, it’s easy to picture ghosts joining the audience! Just don’t blame us if unexpected noises come from backstage.
5. Wrights Hill Fortress
Address: Wrights Hill Road, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
Hours: Saturday & Sunday – 24 hours
Phone: +6444768593
Wrights Hill Fortress has become quite famous among those interested in paranormal activities. This underground network of tunnels and rooms was constructed during World War II as an observation post to watch out for any surprise attacks.
However, soldiers stationed there found the cold, damp conditions difficult and felt confined to being underground all the time.
Nowadays, some have reported disembodied voices echoing in the distance, flickering lights without any source, and an eerie feeling of being watched by something unseeded. It could be the ghosts of those soldiers.
Pro Tip: Take a night tour of the fortress! It’s a great way to really feel the creepiness.
