Napier Prison
Explore New Zealand's oldest prison, now a museum and entertainment hub offering chilling tours and escape rooms.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Napier Prison
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore New Zealand's oldest prison, now a museum and entertainment hub offering chilling tours and escape rooms.
"A cool historic building with an aesthetic that I like, offering a unique and spooky experience."
Audio guide is key! 🎧
Don't skip the audio device; it's packed with fascinating history and ghost stories.
Book escape rooms early! 🔑
These are popular and fill up fast, especially on weekends.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Self-Guided Audio Tour
Throughout the prison
Explore cells, solitary confinement, and hear chilling stories with an informative audio guide.
Escape Rooms
Designated prison areas
Test your wits and teamwork in themed escape rooms set within the historic prison walls.
Haunted Experiences
Various locations
For the brave, experience the prison's reputation as one of New Zealand's most haunted locations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Tours
Embrace the Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Audio guide is key! 🎧
Don't skip the audio device; it's packed with fascinating history and ghost stories.
Book escape rooms early! 🔑
These are popular and fill up fast, especially on weekends.
Check for closures 🚧
Some areas might be inaccessible due to safety or events. +1
Embrace the creepiness 👻
The atmosphere is part of the experience; enjoy the spooky vibes!
Tips
from all over the internet
Audio guide is key! 🎧
Don't skip the audio device; it's packed with fascinating history and ghost stories.
Book escape rooms early! 🔑
These are popular and fill up fast, especially on weekends.
Check for closures 🚧
Some areas might be inaccessible due to safety or events. +1
Embrace the creepiness 👻
The atmosphere is part of the experience; enjoy the spooky vibes!
Wear comfy shoes 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the historic site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Napier Prison to be a cool, historic building with an appealing, slightly overgrown aesthetic. The self-guided audio tour is praised for its detail and chilling stories, though some visitors note that certain areas were closed off during their visit. The escape rooms are a popular, fun activity, and the prison's reputation for being haunted adds to its unique appeal.
"Pretty cool historic building, it's a little overgrown on the outside which gives it an aesthetic that I like. Sadly there's no tours at the moment, I would have preferred that. Some information outside the building of the history of it would be cool while the tours are closed."
Ryno M
"I went on a self guide tour for $30. The place is worth visiting. It's more details if you follow the audio device while wandering through cells. But if you have limited time, you can choose some ghost stories to listen later. I have a goosebumps looking into a solitary confinement. Even staff gave a spooky vibe (>_"
Po
"I liked it. the only mistake is that the showers and women's cells were closed. but I understand that it is for safety.on the spot you will get something like a telephone where a good description of the place is recorded in fourteen languages and also a lot of interesting facts about places or people connected with the prison. the graffiti on the walls or beds were interesting. I believe that we will also play an escape room."
Jakub Kuk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Napier Prison is located at 500 Marine Parade, Napier. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or considering a taxi/rideshare is advisable.
Due to its historic nature, accessibility can be challenging. Some areas may be closed off for safety, and the terrain might be uneven. It's best to contact the prison directly to inquire about specific accessibility for your visit.
Opening hours can vary, especially with special events or seasonal changes. It's crucial to check the official Napier Prison website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening times and tour availability.
Yes, self-guided audio tours are available, allowing you to explore at your own pace. However, guided tours offer deeper insights and are highly recommended for a comprehensive understanding of the prison's history.
Absolutely! Napier Prison is a fantastic addition to a day trip in Napier, offering a unique historical and thrilling experience. Combine it with other local attractions like the Art Deco architecture or the waterfront.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the type of tour or experience you choose (self-guided, guided, escape room). Expect to pay around $30 for a self-guided tour. It's always best to check the official website for current pricing and package deals.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for guided tours and escape rooms, as they can sell out. This ensures you secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment.
Yes, Napier Prison offers various options including self-guided audio tours, guided tours, and themed escape rooms. Special events and paranormal investigations may also have separate ticketing.
The self-guided audio tour includes access to various parts of the prison, with an audio device providing historical context, inmate stories, and ghost tales. Some areas might be restricted. +1
Refund policies typically depend on the booking terms and conditions. It's advisable to review the cancellation policy on the Napier Prison website or contact them directly if you need to change or cancel your booking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore historic cells, learn about inmate life, experience solitary confinement, and listen to chilling ghost stories via the audio guide. Escape rooms and special haunted events are also popular. +1
Yes, Napier Prison is widely considered one of New Zealand's most haunted locations, with many visitors reporting eerie experiences and paranormal activity.
The escape rooms are themed and set within the prison environment, offering a fun and challenging experience. Teams work together to solve puzzles and 'escape' within a time limit.
Napier Prison can be a bit intense for very young children due to its history and atmosphere. However, older children and teenagers often enjoy the tours and escape rooms. Parental discretion is advised.
A self-guided audio tour can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and interest. Escape rooms have a set time limit, usually around 60 minutes.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed inside Napier Prison, but check for any specific restrictions in certain areas or during special events. Tripods might be prohibited. 
The historic cells, solitary confinement areas, and the imposing exterior architecture offer great photo opportunities. The slightly overgrown exterior adds a unique aesthetic.
Photography is typically not allowed inside the escape rooms while the game is in progress to maintain the immersive experience and prevent spoilers.
While specific photography tours might not be regularly scheduled, the general tours allow ample opportunity to capture the prison's atmosphere. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for fewer people in your shots.
Lighting inside the prison can be dim and atmospheric, adding to the spooky feel. Be prepared to use higher ISO settings or a flash where permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the historical aspects of the tour and the fun challenge of the escape rooms. The audio guide provides interesting facts that can capture the attention of curious minds. For younger children, the atmosphere might be too intense, so it's best to err on the side of caution. Checking the prison's website for any specific family-friendly events or age recommendations for activities is always a good idea.
👻 Thrill-Seekers & Ghost Hunters
If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, consider booking a paranormal investigation night. These events often involve exploring the prison after dark with experienced guides, increasing the chances of encountering something unusual. Even the standard audio tour can be quite chilling, especially when listening to tales of solitary confinement and unexplained occurrences. Be prepared for a truly atmospheric and potentially spine-tingling visit.
🤝 Groups & Team-Building
Booking a group tour or an escape room session can be a great way to bond and create shared experiences. The historical context of the prison also provides plenty of conversation starters. It's advisable to book group activities well in advance to ensure availability and to discuss any specific needs or preferences with the prison staff.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Napier Prison's Past
The prison's transition from a place of incarceration to a tourist attraction has allowed for new experiences to be developed. Beyond the historical tours, Napier Prison now hosts popular escape rooms, offering a fun and challenging way to engage with the unique setting. These themed rooms require teamwork and problem-solving, making them a hit for groups of friends and families. The prison also leans into its reputation as one of New Zealand's most haunted locations, offering special paranormal investigation nights and ghost tours for those seeking a thrill.
While many parts of the prison are accessible, it's worth noting that some areas may be closed off for safety reasons or to accommodate ongoing events and renovations. This is a common point of feedback from visitors, who sometimes express disappointment at limited access. However, the core historical elements and the engaging audio tour ensure a memorable visit, providing a unique perspective on New Zealand's penal history and a dose of spooky entertainment.
Experiencing the Thrills: Escape Rooms and Ghost Stories
Beyond the escape rooms, Napier Prison is renowned for its haunted reputation. Numerous paranormal investigations and ghost stories are associated with the site, attracting thrill-seekers and ghost hunters. Visitors often report feeling an eerie presence or experiencing unexplained phenomena, contributing to its status as one of New Zealand's most haunted places. Special events focused on the paranormal offer a deeper dive into these chilling tales, providing an unforgettable, albeit spooky, experience.
Whether you're drawn to the historical narrative, the puzzle-solving of escape rooms, or the supernatural allure, Napier Prison offers a multifaceted experience. The combination of history, entertainment, and a touch of the macabre makes it a standout attraction. It's advisable to book these experiences in advance, as they are quite popular and can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons or weekends.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit