Napier's 162yo prison to close to tourists

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.