Absolutely ridiculous that they are charging 30$ per person for a self guided audio tour. A lot of the prison is inaccessible and either just closed off or being repaired. It’s a mess and there is no organisation at all. It’s run down and definitely not worth paying to visit, it should be free until they are finished whatever they are doing.

I rarely feel ripped off or scammed but that is exactly how I felt after we spent $120 for four people. The place is in complete disrepair, not old and interesting but filthy dirty and falling down. Much of the prison was fenced off and inaccessible due to scaffolding all over the place. There was no clear sense of an exhibition with some cells just used as junk rooms. What signage was there was falling down and faded. The audio commentary was difficult to hear and the story telling not only hard to hear but repeated some of the signage around. The toilets are a disgrace, at the end of an old cell and were filthy dirty with little privacy. The most shocking thing to me was the disarray of the memorial garden built by teens in 2005. Two of these kids died not long after but there is no respect in maintaining it in their honour. We were so disgusted with this place that on the way back down the hill we warned off three different groups of visitors. It was our only way of dealing with our anger at this ‘attraction’.

The grotiest place to visit No way us it worth $30 I would not recommend this tour at all The buildings need to be demolused Znd the staff are just weird

The prison has a really interesting story, but the experience is really badly done. It’s very cheap and shoddy. $30 gets you a handheld audio speaker with a very limited history of the prison. It would have been nice to have been able to learn about the social history, the life stories of some of the prisoners, the construction of the prison, the experience of the prisoners during and after the earthquake etc. none of this is covered at all. The information boards also have only a small amount of detail and large areas of the prison are barricaded off with builders fences making the experience a bit like walking around a dilapidated building site. It was a shame as it could have been so much more. Certainly not worth the admission charge. They also offered a “ghost tour” and an escape room experience. I think the owners need to decide what they are trying to be and do it properly.

This was super fun and… bonus, a bit creepy! We did the self guided history tour with audio guide which was great. Loved the run down historic nature of the place. So much history! Don’t forget to do an escape room while you’re there (book ahead) family fun - yay!

We did the history tour which was very interesting. Hard to believe it was still operating into the 1990s. A family of five with teens, we tacked on an escape room experience, which is such a cool idea for an old prison. Alas, we were not clever enough to escape within the 60 minutes. In fact, we'd probably still be there if there wasn't a time limit!

On a busy public holiday with hard working staff, we really enjoyed our tour. The tour was informative and fun and the staff- 3 young adults were friendly, welcoming and helpful. Would definitely recommend.

Had an amazing experience, everything was well organised. Enjoyed the escape room activity and completed the challenge (Ishaan thank you :p) We took the ghost tour and it was worth the time we spent over there. Had a great chat with Ishaan and he gave us awesome reference for lunch. Thank you Ishaan for your hospitality. It is definitely a must place to visit if you are planning a trip to Napier. 10/10

Interesting tour and so pleased we took the advice of friends as we didn't want to be travelling on busy buses with others.

Absolutely stunning scenery if the weather is right - and go to the loo before setting off on the trek! Also remember to download the audio prior to your visit so you don't have any connection issues and because it is far cheaper with no roaming charges. Brilliant commentary I thought and the Maori element was welcomed.

Read the previous review and was fore-warned to download the tour before setting off. It worked well and the information was current and relevant. Nice little city with eclectic shopping and good food.

Cool little city with interesting points to see. Simple download to our cellphones and the map was a bonus. Good information.

Simple download and easy to follow map - what's not to like? Oh and a cheap price - will be trying out more of these types of tours in the coming months.

We thought we were mad going up on a misty day with showers. But we were lucky enough to see the emerald lakes for 5-10 minutes. Go loo before the shuttle as the start ones smell pretty bad. It’s long, and steep in parts but the track is clearly cut and it’s not difficult if you are into tramping. I’m wanted to walk faster but the group took a little longer. We completed in 8 hrs. You need waterproof jacket and merino top or polypropylene. Tramping boots can be hired in national park. If you only here 1 day then stay in National Park. Because that’s where most shuttles start and return. $40 return. We found it hard to find an open shuttle place that could do a one way. (Start of season) Last shuttle home was 4:30 pm and we only just made it.

This is no way affiliated with The Edwin Fox Museum and it seems to have attached itself to our page.