this post was submitted on 11 Apr 2024
3 points (100.0% liked)

Aotearoa / New Zealand

1658 readers
26 users here now

Kia ora and welcome to !newzealand, a place to share and discuss anything about Aotearoa in general

Rules:

FAQ ~ NZ Community List ~ Join Matrix chatroom

 

Banner image by Bernard Spragg

Got an idea for next month's banner?

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
Dave
RaoulDuke
3
Napier's 162yo prison to close to tourists (www.rnz.co.nz)
submitted 7 months ago by Dave to c/newzealand
1 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Napier's former prison is closing due to safety concerns, leaving the man who runs tours through the site unhappy he will be locked out.

The 162-year-old prison, New Zealand's oldest jail, has become a popular attraction since Toro Waaka began leasing the Bluff Hill property more than two decades ago.

He first opened a backpackers' lodge, which has since closed, before beginning the popular tours. They attract more than 30,000 people a year.

Toitū Te Whenua Land Information NZ, which manages the Crown landbanked site, told Waaka last month his lease was up.

Land Information said the site was an earthquake risk and retaining walls needed an upgrade.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] Dave 2 points 7 months ago

This is a shame, I've done a tour there (self guided audio tour) and it was really interesting.

I also did an escape room there as well, which was good fun!