Howick Historic Village
At the heart of Auckland’s Howick Historical Village stands the Puhi Nui Homestead, a Victorian timber house built in 1861 by merchant William McLaughlin. While it is preserved as part of New Zealand’s colonial heritage, the homestead has become far better known for its reputation among investigators as one of the Village’s most active haunted sites.
Paranormal New Zealand has conducted several investigations inside the house, including full overnight vigils. During these sessions, the team has documented what they describe as unexplained activity. One of the most notable recordings captured a woman’s sigh followed by faint, indistinct words—at a time when only male investigators were present. On another occasion, investigators reported anomalies that appeared simultaneously in different rooms, suggesting more than coincidence.
The team’s findings have been shared publicly and continue to draw attention to Puhi Nui’s ghostly reputation. A New Zealand Herald feature has listed the house among the country’s most haunted locations, and the National Library of New Zealand holds records referencing Paranormal New Zealand’s work, including claimed video evidence of unusual phenomena. Some accounts even connect the disturbances to Sarita Niccol McLaughlin, daughter of the homestead’s original owner.
Skeptics remain unconvinced, but for Paranormal New Zealand, Puhi Nui Homestead remains an active case file. The group continues to highlight the site as one of their most intriguing investigations, where history, legend, and unexplained activity seem to converge.
Lloyd Elsmore Park
Bells Road
Pakuranga
Auckland
2010
+64 9 576 9506
Paranormal New Zealand has conducted several investigations inside the house, including full overnight vigils. During these sessions, the team has documented what they describe as unexplained activity. One of the most notable recordings captured a woman’s sigh followed by faint, indistinct words—at a time when only male investigators were present. On another occasion, investigators reported anomalies that appeared simultaneously in different rooms, suggesting more than coincidence.
The team’s findings have been shared publicly and continue to draw attention to Puhi Nui’s ghostly reputation. A New Zealand Herald feature has listed the house among the country’s most haunted locations, and the National Library of New Zealand holds records referencing Paranormal New Zealand’s work, including claimed video evidence of unusual phenomena. Some accounts even connect the disturbances to Sarita Niccol McLaughlin, daughter of the homestead’s original owner.
Skeptics remain unconvinced, but for Paranormal New Zealand, Puhi Nui Homestead remains an active case file. The group continues to highlight the site as one of their most intriguing investigations, where history, legend, and unexplained activity seem to converge.
Lloyd Elsmore Park
Bells Road
Pakuranga
Auckland
2010
+64 9 576 9506
