For decades, the people of Wellington have whispered about a ghostly presence that haunts the edge of the city. The figure, known simply as the Screaming Woman of Oriental Parade, has become a chilling part of the city’s folklore. This mysterious legend has stirred the imagination of both locals and visitors. While some dismiss it as superstition, others swear by their experiences. They claim to have seen her. They say they’ve heard her screams. Even in a city filled with stories, this one stands out.

The ghost is described as a woman dressed in white. She appears near the waterfront, usually late at night or in the early hours before dawn. Her face is often hidden. She is usually still. Then suddenly, she lets out a scream that sends chills down the spine. Moments later, she disappears. This happens quickly. No one ever sees her walking away. She is simply there one moment and gone the next.

Over the years, different people have shared what they’ve seen and heard. Many of the stories match. It begins with a soft cry. Then, a loud scream follows. Some say it is a scream of pain. Others believe it is anger or fear. Several eyewitnesses have described the same feeling: an icy chill, even on warm nights. Some have even reported problems with their phones or cameras just before the scream.

While no one knows exactly who she is, a few believe she may be the spirit of a woman who died near the water. Old newspaper reports tell of tragic accidents along Oriental Parade in the past. A number of drownings, a few disappearances, and at least one unsolved case have been linked to the area. One story often repeated by older locals involves a young woman from the 1930s who vanished after a fight with her partner. She was never found. Though there is no official record connecting her to the ghost, the story adds fuel to the legend.

Despite the ghostly tales, Oriental Parade remains one of the most visited parts of the city. Families stroll along the beach. Joggers run by the water. Tourists take pictures of the view. Yet, some residents choose to avoid the area at night. A few taxi drivers have refused to take passengers there after dark. One driver said he once picked up a woman in white late at night. She gave no address. When he turned to ask again, the back seat was empty.

Stories like these are part of what makes Wellington unique. The city is filled with charm and history. But it also has its shadows. Whether the Screaming Woman is real or just a tale passed down through generations, her legend continues to grow. People are naturally drawn to mystery. It offers a sense of the unknown. It brings an element of magic to everyday life. Furthermore, the story has gained attention on social media in recent years. Visitors now come to Oriental Parade at night, hoping for a glimpse. Some bring cameras. Others just want to feel something strange. It has become a kind of urban adventure. Still, many leave with nothing more than a good story. A few, though, say they experienced something they can’t explain.

Interestingly, local paranormal groups have tried to investigate. They’ve used thermal cameras, audio recorders, and motion sensors. But so far, no clear evidence has been found. This has only deepened the mystery. As a result, the legend feels more real to those who believe. The lack of proof keeps the story alive. It leaves room for questions. It leaves space for belief. What draws people most, however, is the scream itself. Those who have heard it say it doesn’t sound like a normal person. It’s not a scream of someone in danger. It feels different. It cuts through the night. It stops people in their tracks. One witness said it sounded like sadness trapped in a sound. Another said it felt like time paused.

No matter the truth, the Screaming Woman of Oriental Parade has become a permanent part of Wellington’s culture. She is more than a ghost. She is a symbol of the city’s deep connection to its past. She reminds us that some stories stay with us. They live in our streets. They echo in our nights. And sometimes, they scream.

At One Network Wellington Live, we continue to follow stories that shape our city. Whether fact or folklore, these tales help us understand where we live. They remind us that even in a modern city, the old and the unknown are never far away. So next time you walk along Oriental Parade, listen carefully. You never know what you might hear.