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.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.1 · 679 reviews
Type
Museum
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit