Walk through New Zealand's oldest prison! Listen to a 50-minute self-guided audio tour of Napier Prison while inspecting the vacant prison cells and deserted exercise yard. Learn the history and feel the oppressive atmosphere of the hanging yard, the solitary confinement and the death row cells. Hear the tales of Australasia's richest drug baron, numerous escape attempts, the ominous Eye Eater, and the graveyard.
Take your time walking through the empty halls and enjoy several photo opportunities that are great for the family!
Opening in 1862, Napier Prison is New Zealand's oldest penal complex. Begin your tour at the front gate and enter through the prisoner-built wall and walk through the Visiting Area where family members could see their loved ones. Take a look at the The Pound and see what solitary confinement meant in the 1900s, and visit the Detox Room where inmates would be disinfected and begin their new life behind bars. Next, step through the Courtyard where the Shower Block, Toilets, and Mess Hall are located. Learn about their meager meals and the few recreational activities available. As you enter the living areas, you'll witness the living conditions that inmates were subjected to, see how they left their mark on the Prison, and learn about the Earthquake that levelled Napier City. You'll make your way through the back of the Prison where you'll learn about the Graveyard and the prisoners that remain here. Finally, around the Cleaning Building, you'll visit the ominous Hanging Yard where several inmates met their end.
This audio-guided tour allows you to take your time (or skip) certain parts of the Prison. The tour allows you to read extra information and take great photo opportunities along the way. http://www.nz.com/new-zealand/activities/napier/napier-prison-audio-tours.aspx