Napier's former prison opens for tours

For an arresting bit of sightseeing in Napier, check out the daily tours of the city's former prison. During its 150-year history the site has been a lunatic asylum, an Army barracks and finally a prison. It closed in 1993 but the huge kauri doors and imposing stone walls harbour decades of fascinating stories.

Tours pass through solitary confinement, death row, the hanging yard and the old cell block, which is in its original grim condition with beds and walls covered in graffiti. The prison also offers unique backpacker accommodation for those who want to hole up for the night.

Contact: (06) 835 9933

www.napierprison.com