Gap year travel insurance is always an option for backpackers hoping to be able to book a stay in a former New Zealand prison building.
The Otago Daily Times reports that Dunedin Prison situated towards the southern tip of New Zealand's South Island is to be sold after being decommissioned two years ago when it failed to meet security standards.
Built in 1896, the prison held around 100 prisoners and the $1.8 million (£0.7 million) building may now be used as a backpacking hostel for visitors who may have bought one-way travel insurance and are keen to get a more unusual sense of local history.
The New Zealand department of corrections is unable to afford the cost of maintaining the building, but while the exterior is protected by the Historic Places Trust, a buyer would have the option of redesigning the interior.
Other potential plans for the former prison include turning it into a museum to increase the tourist appeal of the town.
On the subject of unusual places to stay, the Otago Daily Times recently reported that QBox Ltd is seeking permission to convert a series of storage containers in Queenstown into low-cost backpacker accommodation.
Downunder - the market leaders in one-way travel insurance.
