Napier Prison
Napier Prison things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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I have read the reviews before i wrote mine and i'm unsure how anyone would consider this location not worth seeing.... We made a trip from Auckland to see this place and we were not in anyway disappointed, we were given a map of the grounds as we decided to take a tour on our own. there was more than enough information about the huge history of the prison and everyone was SUPER nice to us. The price of $20 per person is cheap as attractions go in New Zealand and worth every cent! The owners brought the Prison in a very run down state so they have done an amazing job to not only fix it up but also keep it as it was. We are already planing another trip there as we are sure we missed some things and we would love to even stay a night there to ghost hunt... thanks so much for a great time Napier Prison, i would give 100 stars if i could :)
The Dude Behind The CameraThe Dude Behind The Camera
20
This place is creepy! If you haven't visited and enjoy a bit of dark tourism, then this is the place for you! My husband and I visited during the long weekend and did the self guided audio tour. The buildings appear to be untouched, despite the fact it was used as a hostel for a period of time. The owners have impressively researched the history of the convicts and life in the prison. It is a sad part of Napier and NZ history that people were treated so inhumanly. I must also admit that whilst walking down the hall of the cells, the friendly prison cat, Basil, gave me the fright of my life when he came around the corner just after I read about the so-called prison ghost. 100% recommend this place if you want something to talk about when you leave Napier!
Kathleen KonzettKathleen Konzett
20
Visited today I was genuinely saddened by the condition of the prison and overall state of disrepair. Additionally grass area people can walk over was where maori prisoners who had been hung are buried upright. This shows total disrespect. The audio was interesting but to be honest this is sadly the only positive comment I feel I can make and even that went on too long so we skipped quite a bit! Paid $60 for two People to wander around listening to audio. Memorial garden is supposed to be maintained and clearly isn't. I appreciate building is old but come on its filthy, and in a state of total disrepair, I appreciate they want to keep authentic however my friend who visited over 3 years ago said the place is just going to ruin and was in a much better condition on her last visit. I looked for recent reviews on prison I sadly have since found alot of reviews commenting on the state of the place and fact that people feel it's a rip off and like me it they weren't there for more than an hour as you can't access sections due to safety barriers which have clearly been there for a considerable time!
M MawerM Mawer
10
Saw this on the TV (Heritage Rescue) and looked an interesting place to visit while on holiday. We hired two different audio guides and shared. I did get a little monotonous, so stick with just the one 'tour'. Lots of history and the escape room looked like it could be fun (maybe next time). A few of the old signs (we saw on the TV show) had been put back up and as these were designed for kids not sure if that was a good or bad thing (not sure I'd take a young child to it as could be quite scary ). However the history was amazing and I think if it (or you just did that) stuck to that and the ghost / spooky side it would be a much better place. It certainly did have a edge to the feel and think a night tour which just adults would be 'interesting'
Shaun MetcalfeShaun Metcalfe
40
If you like history with a side of spookiness Napier prison is a place to visit. Being the oldest prison in NZ they offer good old historical tour as well as the spooky ghost tour. You'll be given a headset for the tour, and since everyone is listening through their own headset you can choose the tour for yourself even if you are going there as a group. Perfect for those doesn't feel too comfortable with ghost stories or history lesson whichever it might be. They even offer escape room experience, if you want the extra challenge. The staff there are quite friendly and knowledgeable, if you have a chat with them they might have their own ghost stories to share. Recommended.
Elijah WuElijah Wu
40
A two is generous and that's due to it being open for public access but $30 is just a rip off, the creepiest part was the amount of times the recording kept mentioning the mediums Sue Nicholson and Kelvin absolutely ridiculous just put signs up for us to read use local stories why drag these two into it lacked any credibility hearing this constantly. Took forever and people end up in your way. What ruined the experience and authenticity even more was the ESCAPE rooms they have set up in the prison, total disregard to the history of the site.
Aaron WebsterAaron Webster
00
Nearby Attractions Of Napier Prison
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MTG Hawke's Bay
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Basic Info
Address
55 Coote Road, Bluff Hill, Napier 4110, New Zealand
Map
Phone
+64 6 835 9933
Call
Website
napierprison.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.1
(358 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
Description
Napier Prison is a visitor attraction and former prison in Napier, New Zealand. Built in 1862 and decommissioned as a prison in 1993, it is the country's oldest prison complex.
attractions: Bluff Hill Lookout, Scenic Hotel Te Pania, MTG Hawke's Bay, Timezone Napier, Napier Urban Farmer's Market, Art Deco Trust, Par2 MiniGolf, The County Hotel, Napier Soundshell, Centennial Garden Waterfall, restaurants: Ocean Spa, Lone Star Napier, Vinci's Pizza, Mister D, The Rose Irish Pub, Hunger Monger Seafood, RASOI INDIAN RESTAURANT AND TAKEAWAY'S, Ajuna Eatery, Six Sisters Coffee House, Art Deco Masonic Hotel
