Death by Post
Case 001  /  Kererū Bay, New Zealand  /  unsolved

Death on New Year's Day

Everyone in Kererū Bay said Toby Marsh fell from the clifftop. His mother never believed it. Twenty-nine years later, the file lands on your desk.

A murder mystery game  ·  2–8 players  ·  {{ price }} + {{ postage }} post anywhere in NZ

Kererū Bay, 1997

Local boy Toby Marsh, 24, was found at the base of the cliffs at Whale Head at dawn on 1 January 1997. The coroner recorded a drunken fall after the bonfire party, but his mum never believed it was an accident. She kept asking for a review of the case and in 2026 the file was reopened.

Toby was well-liked in the sleepy surf town, he worked at the campground his family owned and was the captain of the surf lifesaving club. Was his death an accident? If it wasn't, who could have wanted him dead?

DifficultyMEDIUM — 3 OF 5
Play time2–3 HOURS
Players2–8
Ages14+
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Evidence board — drag to move, click to turn overEvidence board — swipe to browse, tap to turn over
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Click to turn back

What's in the envelope

Everything the police had in 1997, and a few things they didn't. Spread it across the table and start reading.

  • The NZ Police file: interview transcripts and reports
  • Photographs of Toby and everyone who was at the party
  • A newspaper clipping from January 1997
  • Letters and handwritten notes
  • A hand-drawn map of Kererū Bay
  • Audio evidence you open with a QR code, so keep a phone handy
  • A sealed solution envelope. Open it only once you've named the killer
Order case 001

New Year's Day. Kererū Bay, 1997.
A body is found at the base of the cliffs.

Step into a world of hidden relationships, lies and uncomfortable truths. Your task is to find the killer, uncover the motive, and prove how Toby died. During the investigation, you’ll analyse authentic case files filled with interrogation reports, handwritten notes, photographs and other evidence that requires both logic and intuition to decipher.

Designed for 2–8 players (ages 14 and up), the game immerses you in an intense investigation where every detail could be crucial. The game takes 2–3 hours to play and is designed to fully engage all participants in the hunt for the truth.

Why choose Death on New Year's Day?

  • A dark murder mystery filled with hidden clues
  • Perfect for an evening with friends or family
  • Sparks intense discussions as theories take shape and evidence is scrutinised
  • Authentic files that make you feel like you’re part of a real criminal investigation
  • One case, one price. No subscription
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NZD per case  +  {{ postage }} tracked post, anywhere in NZ

Sending it as a gift? Enter their address at checkout and add a gift message.

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Case 001 spread across a table by candlelight: sealed envelopes marked 2026, Letters, NZ Police and Case Solution, photographs of the suspects, a newspaper clipping, handwritten notes and a hand-drawn map.
Death by PostFile 001 / Kererū Bay

Before you order

What if we get stuck?

Ask for a hint in the chat bubble at the bottom of this page. We'll nudge you without spoiling the ending.

When will it arrive?

We post within two working days by tracked post. Most cases arrive two to five working days after that, anywhere in New Zealand.

Can we play it again?

Once you know who did it, the mystery is spent. Put the evidence back in the envelope and pass it on to friends.

More questions and answers  ·  Delivery and returns