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Napier Prison Tours in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
In 1853, Alfred Dommet, the magistrate and town planner of Napier was commissioned to design a new gaol.
In 1858, 125 pounds was given from the provincial council to begin the building of the gaol.
Opened in 1862 the prison housed every kind of prisoner, including women, children and lunatics. The convict hewn sandstone which built the impressive wall was cut from the quarry across the road by the prisoners on 'hard labour'.
The Centennial Gardens were built on the location of the old quarry under the supervision of notorious Officer Jack "the Bastard" Adams in the early 1970's.
Decommissioned in 1993 its future was uncertain. Now a tourist attraction, the prison has two guided daily tours, and also offers a range of self guided audio tours.
Napier Prison Tours
History
Come to the prison and learn about the different phases of the complex as a Native Hostelry, Quarantine centre, Lunatic Asylum, "Rock College" and more.
Hangings
Stand in the hanging yard and imagine you were one of the people who paid a shilling to watch the executions take place.
Ghosts
Listen to stories about ghostly sightings and paranormal activity, feel the chill as you are told the story of Roland Edwards's ghostly appearance on the anniversary of his death or, alternatively, scare yourself silly on one of our fiendish Dead Hill Tours.
Criminals
This Prison housed criminals from all over New Zealand including a mass murderer, a drug baron and members of different gangs. Learn about some of the characters that called Napier Prison home.
Escapes
How would you have escaped from Jack "the bastard" Adams' chain gang? Or how about from your cell? We tell you about our boldest attempts to leave the Prison!
End of an Era...
It had been deemed unfit as far back as the 1970's, it was "comfortable but draconian". The Prison was finally decommissioned in 1993.
...Or is it?
Re-opened in 2002 as a Tourist Attraction, the prison has been given a new lease on life. Now is your chance to see the truth behind the walls.
NAPIER PRISON TOURS RATES: Quoted in NZ$, Subject to Change.
Tour Prices
- Adults $20
- Children (12 and under) $10
- Under 5's free
Tour Times
- Guided day tour 9.30am or 3.00pm
- Audio tours: 9am to 5pm daily
- Night tours contact us
- Group and School tours contact us
Enquiry Form
Address:
55 Coote Road
Napier
Hawke's Bay
Phone: +64 6 835 9933
Fax:
Web: Visit website
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