Attraction with real conviction

Napier is full of delights – food, drink, architecture, scenery, history, and activities, but it does have some dark tales to tell, and its prison, on the hill, is a fascinatingly grim place to hear some of them.

Heritage-listed, it’s the oldest jail in the country. It was built in 1862 and housed reluctant guests for more than 130 years until it closed in 1993.

The site has also hosted orphans, the insane, the addicted and, more cheerfully, backpackers.

It now welcomes interested visitors, who can wander through on a self-guided tour listening to and reading stories about those who did time there.

The building itself is little changed from its original function, and it still gives a good impression of what it was like to be a prisoner there.

Not all were hardened criminals: Ma¯ ori leader Te Kooti spent time in the prison, before his exile and eventual pardon.

WHY GO?

Because hopefully this will be the only time you will have a mugshot and your fingerprints taken. Though it is a serious place, there is fun to be had too, including escape room challenges, orange prisoner jumpsuits for posing in, and even a potential ghostly guide.

The prison is said to be one of the most haunted buildings in New Zealand, and there are plenty of ghost stories to be told.

The reality of prison life, and the crimes of those who were committed there, are more genuinely horrifying, and culminate in the hanging yard, where four murderers were sent to their deaths on the gallows, but afterwards not quite to their rest in the graveyard.

INSIDER TIP

Wasted on the inmates in their cells, the views from the prison are lovely.

Perched on Bluff Hill, it overlooks the ocean and Centennial Gardens.

After your visit, you could walk down through the gardens to the beach for some natural relief after all that grimness.

ON THE WAY/NEARBY

For an even better view, nearby Bluff Hill Lookout has a

You will look down over the port on one side, and the city on the other, where you’re spoiled for choice for things to do.

Wander the streets to admire the art deco architecture or, even better, take a tour.

Go to the museum to find out more about the devastating 1931 earthquake, and explore the waterfront’s Soundshell and viewing platform, naval history, mini-golf, Pania of the Reef statue, gardens, the National Aquarium of New Zealand, and icecream shops.

Hire a bike for an easy cruise to a winery, or stay in town for shops and restaurants.

HOW MUCH?

Adults are $20, children (12 and under) are $10, and family passes are $50 and $60.

The entry includes an audio device and a map, for an informative self-guided tour: either a Historical or Ghost Tour. Tours with guides may be available on request.

BEST TIME TO GO

Open daily, 9am to 5pm. It’s a good rainy day activity, though you will want to be able to enjoy the views. Visit napierprison. com.