Napier Prison Backpackers and Tours in Hawkes Bay New Zealand

Your chance to find out the truth behind the walls of New Zealand's oldest prison. 'Do time' on the tour or stay the night.

Napier Prison is situated in sunny Hawkes Bay, on Napier's Bluff Hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful Centennial Gardens. Built on the location of the old quarry, inmates used to break out stone to build the walls that would keep them imprisoned. A few minutes walk to the centre of town and Marine Parade.

Daily guided tours and accommodation.

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Napier Prison Backpackers and Tours in Hawkes Bay New Zealand

Napier Prison Backpacker and Tours in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

In 1853, Alfred Dommet, the magistrate and town planner was commissioned to design the jail.

In 1858, 125 pounds was given from the provincial council to begin the building of the gaol.

Gazetted 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 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 backpackers accommodation.

Notice Board

		GROUP TOURS Do you have a work function, birthday party or other event coming up? We can do group tours at the time of your choice for only $15pp

		PRISON FEEDBACK We know that most prisons don't ask for feedback, but we dare to be different! Tell us what you think of the prison experience and if you want us to email you back we will!

		REDEMPTION HILL FILMED HERE 'Redemption Hill' was filmed on location at Napier Prison Tours. A chance for 10 'out of control' teens to see if they can get back on the straight and narrow. Treated like prisoners by Steve Boxer and his team the teens had a range of experiences while at the jail and on the program. REDEMPTION HILL IS BACK ON TV2 TUESDAYS AT 1.30PM... The prison also featured on 'Off the Rails' with Marcus Lush which won Top 2005 Programme. Congratulations.

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