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Dorset House Backpackers

Rating (Qualmark)

Cancellation policies apply

1. Welcome to Dorset House2. A double room at Dorset House3. Another double room at Dorset House4. An exterior view of Dorset House, built 18715. The spacious "Old Chapel' Guest Lounge6. A four-bed share room - no bunks here!7. A game of pool8. Clean, modern bathrooms at Dorset House9. Front garden with spring flowers10. Beautiful stained glass in our guest lounge11. Cook up a storm in the sunny guest kitchen12. Writing a letter in a peaceful corner13. A comfortable twin room at Dorset House14. A private single room at Dorset House15. Relax with a drink on the kitchen balcony

Click on an image for a larger view

  Rates are TAX inclusive, per room, and will be charged in New Zealand Dollars ($) Booking Fees

Property Details

1 Dorset Street
Christchurch 8144 CANTERBURY
Map not available
**Dorset House Backpackers is a 4 Star Qualmarked (Backpacker) property**

Steeped in history and situated next to beautiful Hagley Park, Dorset House Christchurch Backpacker Hostel is relaxing, spacious and elegant, and is well-equipped with all that a budget traveller could need.

Recently refurbished, without losing its essential character, Dorset House is a unique and peaceful environment from which to enjoy all that Christchurch has to offer. Holding a Qualmark 4-Star Rating (Excellent), Dorset House is set among beautiful gardens, Dorset House is still steeped in the character of the early Christchurch pioneers. Built in 1871 as the home for the wealthy timber merchant, J B Way, it once featured 27 rooms and three Italian marble fireplaces. It has been lovingly maintained, and is a slice of Christchurch’s past that we are proud to share with our guests. Free WiFi access available.

Our rooms are comfortable, freshly cleaned, and bathed in afternoon sun. We have double, twin, single and four-share rooms available. All rooms are within 3-7 metres of a bathroom. Dorset House has recently been upgraded and redecorated to cater for travellers who wish to experience up-market facilities at budget prices. There are no bunk beds here – all beds are fully made with fresh linen. Extra blankets and electric blankets are fitted onto every bed to keep you warm in the colder months. We have a sunny, spotlessly clean kitchen available for guest use, and there’s a full laundry here too. Free WiFi is available for guests - just ask at reception for your access code.

The lounge - otherwise known as the ‘Old Chapel’ - is a very large room with plenty of comfortable couches and is a great space for relaxing and talking. Facilities included a free pool table, various board games and jigsaws, TV, DVD player (a selection of DVDs are available) Cable TV, a variety of books for exchange and a stereo. There are computers for guest use - offering internet access, word processing, spreadsheets, printing, SKYPE, USB ports and CD burning functions. WiFi is available if you have your own laptop.

Dorset House offers a full travel and information desk – just ask at reception and let us organise your tours, day trips and onward travel. There’s no charge for this, and if you’re not sure where to go or what to do – ask our staff, they’re locals and can clue you in on some hidden gems.

From Dorset House, it’s just a 15-minute stroll to Cathedral Square, the centre of Christchurch; or walk along beside the river to reach other city attractions such as the Botanic Gardens, museum, the popular Arts Centre, local art galleries, busy weekend markets and art-house cinemas.

Continental breakfast packs can be purchased at reception, and we are just two-minutes from some great cafes, bars and restaurants on Victoria St. There’s plenty of options here, and fabulous coffee too (we may even point you to our favourite bakery!). Public transport is close too – just five minutes walk to the airport bus service, or eight minutes to the free shopper’s bus service that runs throughout the central city all day.

Late check-ins can be organised, and free luggage storage is available. We have a custom-built lock-up to keep your bike or skis safe, and free off-street car-parking is available behind the House.

Dorset House is ideally situated to provide a comfortable stay for budget travellers. We hope to see you here soon!
  • Airport shuttles can be booked upon request
  • and are much cheaper than taking a taxi.
  • Gay friendly
  • just ask at reception. These run 24-hours
  • Luggage storage
  • Non-smoking property
  • Not suitable for children
  • On-site undercover parking
  • Self service laundry facilities
  • Street parking
  • Tour desk
  • Wifi access

Two Bedroom Apartment

Book & Pay Securely
Self-catered accommodation, off-site in Peterborough St, 1920's character building. 2 Queen bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, lounge with TV and DVD player. Fully-equipped with linen and towels. Central, 10 minutes walk from Dorset House & 5 minutes from City
Rates are for 4 people. The room caters for a maximum of 4 adults, and a maximum of 3 children but cannot exceed 4 guests in total.

The following bedding is provided:


2 Queens
Cancellation Policy:
Minimum 24 Hours (1st night)
  (details... )
Cancellations or changes to bookings for this room must be made at least 24 hours prior to the check in date and time or you will be charged the full amount of the first changed or cancelled night.
  • Alarm clock
  • Clothes line / airer
  • DVD player
  • Full kitchen
  • In-room heater
  • Non-smoking only
  • Opening windows
  • Refrigerator - full size
  • Shower
  • Tea/Coffee Making
  • TV
  • Washing machine

One-Bedroom Apartment

Book & Pay Securely
Self-catered accommodation, off-site in Peterborough St, 1920's character building. 1 Queen bedroom, kitchette, shower-room, lounge with TV and DVD player. Fully-equipped with linen and towels. Central, 10 minutes walk from Dorset House.
Rates are for 2 people. The room caters for a maximum of 1 adult, and a maximum of 1 child but cannot exceed 2 guests in total.

The following bedding is provided:


1 queen
Cancellation Policy:
Minimum 24 Hours (1st night)
  (details... )
Cancellations or changes to bookings for this room must be made at least 24 hours prior to the check in date and time or you will be charged the full amount of the first changed or cancelled night.
  • Alarm clock
  • Clothes line / airer
  • DVD player
  • Full kitchen
  • In-room heater
  • Non-smoking only
  • Opening windows
  • Refrigerator - full size
  • Shower
  • Tea/Coffee Making
  • TV
  • Washing machine

Double Room

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Room with a queen bed, fitted with sheets and duvets. Additional heating facilities are provided during winter months including blankets, heaters and electric blankets. Shared bathroom facilities. Children 10 years & above allowed.
Rates are for 2 people. The room caters for a maximum of 2 adults.

The following bedding is provided:


1 Queen
Cancellation Policy:
Minimum 24 Hours (1st night)
  (details... )
Cancellations or changes to bookings for this room must be made at least 24 hours prior to the check in date and time or you will be charged the full amount of the first changed or cancelled night.
  • Broadband
  • In-room heater
  • Non-smoking only
  • Opening windows
  • Shared bathroom
  • TV
  • Wireless / WiFi

Twin Room

Book & Pay Securely
A twin room has two separate single beds fitted with sheets and duvets. A TV is provided. Additional heating facilities are provided during winter months including blankets and heaters. Children 10 years & older are allowed.
Rates are for 2 people. The room caters for a maximum of 2 adults.

The following bedding is provided:


2 singles
Cancellation Policy:
Minimum 24 Hours (1st night)
  (details... )
Cancellations or changes to bookings for this room must be made at least 24 hours prior to the check in date and time or you will be charged the full amount of the first changed or cancelled night.
  • Bathrobes
  • Broadband
  • Hairdryer
  • In-room heater
  • Non-smoking only
  • Opening windows
  • Shared bathroom
  • TV
  • Wireless / WiFi

Single Room

Book & Pay Securely
A private room with one single bed fitted with sheets and duvets, a bedside table with lamp and a mirror. Additional heating facilities are provided during winter months including blankets and heaters. All single rooms are close to bathrooms.
Rates are for 1 person. The room caters for a maximum of 1 adult.

The following bedding is provided:


1 single bed
Cancellation Policy:
Minimum 24 Hours (1st night)
  (details... )
Cancellations or changes to bookings for this room must be made at least 24 hours prior to the check in date and time or you will be charged the full amount of the first changed or cancelled night.
  • Broadband
  • In-room heater
  • Non-smoking only
  • Opening windows
  • Shared bathroom
  • Shower
  • Wireless / WiFi

Four-bed Share room

Book & Pay Securely
With four proper beds (Not bunks). Each bed is made up with sheets, pillow and duvet and has a bedside table with lamp. Shared bathroom facilities. On share basis, booking is for per bed. Children 10 years and older allowed with parents.
Rates are for 1 person. The room caters for a maximum of 1 adult.

The following bedding is provided:


1 single
Cancellation Policy:
Minimum 24 Hours (1st night)
  (details... )
Cancellations or changes to bookings for this room must be made at least 24 hours prior to the check in date and time or you will be charged the full amount of the first changed or cancelled night.
  • Broadband
  • In-room heater
  • Non-smoking only
  • Opening windows
  • Shared bathroom
  • Shower
  • Wireless / WiFi

Business Facilities

Dorset House offers both desktop computers and free high-speed wireless internet. There is a small fee for use of the desktop computers/internet. WiFi is provided free of charge.
 

 
Check In 1400hrs
Check In Instructions Office hours are 8am to 6pm daily. If you are arriving outside of these hours, please contact us for prior arrangements. We will provide you with a door code to access building.
Check Out 1000hrs
Getting There From the Airport
A variety of transport options exist from the airport to Dorset House:

Bus: The 'City Flyer' is Christchurch's Public Bus operating daily from outside the Airport Terminal - look for the bus shelter signs for 'City Flyer' located near the International Arrival Terminal. The bus stops along Park Terrace, from there Dorset House is just around the corner in Dorset Street.

Airport Shuttle: Shuttles are available outside the Airport Terminal to take you directly to Dorset House.

Taxi: a taxi stand is located outside the Airport Terminal.

From the Train Station
The Christchurch Train Station is situated not far from the city and close to the south side of Hagly Park. It is the termination stop for both the 'Tranz Alpine' and Tranz Coastal' train journeys. From the train station a shuttle is available to transport you to Dorset House a reasonable rate. Dorset House provides a free return shuttle service to the train station.

From the Square
Dorset House is located approximately 10 minutes walk from the Square. Follow Colombo Street north to Victoria Square and walk diagonally across this square towards the footbridge over the Avon River. Then head around the Christchurch Town Hall to Kilmore Street and turn left. Cross the roads and continue down the street that goes diagonally out of the city (Victoria Street). Follow Victoria Street down until you come to Dorset Street on your left, turn into this street and you will see Dorset House located at the Hagley Park end of the street.
Parking Free off-street car parking is available in our car park behind Dorset House, on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note this is not undercover parking. Street parking also available nearby.
Things To Do Dorset House is just minutes away from central city activities such as the Arts Centre, art gallery, museum, City Tramway Tour, Punting on the Avon, Christchurch Cathedral and city shopping areas.

Go for a walk through the Botanic Gardens, or have a glass of wine in the Lichfield Lanes entertainment area. There's a wide range of live music and theatre venues, and outdoor concerts in the summer.

Christchurch is the city of festivals - enjoy the Summertimes Festival, The Body Dance Festival, The Festival of Flowers, the Montana Winter Carnival, the World Buskers Festival...your options are endless.
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