Wellington’s Parliament Library isn’t just full of books, it’s full of ghost stories too. Now, visitors can experience the eerie side of New Zealand’s government buildings with special after-hours ghost tours.

These spine-tingling tours take place in the gothic-style Parliament Library, built in the late 19th century. The tours are part of a new initiative to bring history to life.

Dressed in Victorian-era costumes, guides lead guests through dimly lit corridors, sharing chilling accounts of the library’s haunted past. Expect stories of politicians who met tragic ends, librarians who worked themselves to death and even a ghostly cat infestation.

One of the most infamous spirits is William Larnach, a politician who took his own life in Parliament in 1898. His restless ghost is said to linger and at one point, his skull even went missing – only to turn up in a student’s room in 1972!

There’s also the mysterious presence of Ewen McColl, the library’s first full-time librarian. Overworked and exhausted, McColl passed away on the job and some say his spirit never left. Staff have reported hearing unseen hands flipping pages and feeling an eerie presence late at night.

The tour also includes a trip to the basement, the site of the building’s strangest reported occurrences. Urban legends passed down by staff include stories of hands reaching out from the stacks, songs emanating from empty bathrooms, the apparition of a ghostly woman in a mirror and locked doors swinging open.

These tours are a mix of history, mystery and a touch of humour, making them perfect for ghost hunters and history buffs alike. They run in the evenings at select times, so check ahead if you’re brave enough to join.