Drifter Christchurch

Property class: 3.5

Photo gallery for Drifter Christchurch

A modern interior with a bar area, large potted plants, and a view through large windows.
A modern building with large windows, a prominent sign, and a mix of architectural styles.
Bar (on property)
A modern hotel room with a large bed, a small armchair, a bedside table, and a floor lamp.
A modern spa room with wooden flooring, green cushioned seating, and a large mirror wall.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Bar
  • Laundry room
The current price is AU$176
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov

Explore the area

View map
96 Lichfield St, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011
  • Place, Cathedral Square
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Hagley Park
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, Christchurch (CHC-Christchurch Intl.)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Room options

Superior Queen Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(11 reviews)
  • 15 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Premium King Suite

  • 21 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Queen Room with Balcony

  • 22 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Family Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 22 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 50 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Loft Suite with Two Queen Rooms

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 50 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Bunkhouse Deluxe 8 Person - Ensuite

  • 31 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Bunk Beds

Bunkhouse Deluxe 8 Persons - Ensuite

  • 31 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Bunk Beds

Bunkhouse Superior 4 Person - Ensuite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 12 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds

Bunkhouse Superior 8 Person - Ensuite

  • 31 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Bunk Beds

Superior Twin Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 12 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

Bunkhouse Superior 4 Person

  • 12 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds

Bunkhouse Superior 4 Persons - Ensuite

  • 12 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds

About the area

Christchurch

Drifter Christchurch puts you in the heart of Christchurch, within just a 10-minute stroll of One New Zealand Stadium and Cathedral Square. Highlights at this hotel include a restaurant and in-room free WiFi. .The restaurant, Rambler, is open for lunch and dinner. The hotel's own lounge bar is a nice place to enjoy a drink. Enjoy the gym along with access to aerobics classes and yoga classes. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a coffee shop/cafe and laundry facilities. .Places within a 15-minute walk of this 3.5-property class Christchurch City Centre hotel include Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre and Hagley Park.

What's nearby

  • Riverside Market - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Cathedral Square - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Hagley Park - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Christchurch Casino - 14 min walk - 1.3 km

Getting around

  • Christchurch Railway Station - 10 min drive
  • Christchurch International Airport (CHC) - 23 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Akin - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Joe's Garage - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Dux Central - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Banh Mi Em - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Pad Thai Pan - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Drifter Christchurch

Along with a restaurant, there's a coffee shop/cafe on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. A fitness centre, a library, and a terrace are also featured at Drifter Christchurch. A complete renovation of Drifter Christchurch was completed in June 2024.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3.5-star Christchurch hotel.

  • 1 building
  • 95 guestrooms or units
  • 4 levels
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Television in lobby
  • Lift
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Fridge in a common area
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Dining venue
Drifter Christchurch offers 95 accommodations. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include a shower. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and hairdryers can be requested.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Rambler

Things to do

  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Evening entertainment
  • Fitness classes
  • Gym
  • Library
  • Pilates classes
  • TV in common areas
  • Yoga classes

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Vending machine
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Firepit
  • In a nature reserve
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Lift (160 centimetre wide door)
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 1 building
  • 4 floors
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Renovated entire property - June 2024
  • Rooftop garden

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Mobile key entry

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2 per cent for credit card payments
Guests will receive smart lock details
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk, smart lock

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Payment types

  • American Express
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2 per cent

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. No on-site parking is available. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in all accommodation. Guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

Property Registration Number 9429050898268

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property class

Rating provided by Qualmark®, source of official star ratings for accommodation in New Zealand.

Property is also known as

Drifter Christchurch Christchurch
Drifter Christchurch Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Drifter Christchurch?

Drifter Christchurch offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Drifter Christchurch?

As of 26 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drifter Christchurch on 1 Nov 2026 start from AU$176, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Are there any beaches close to Drifter Christchurch?

The closest beach to Drifter Christchurch is Sumner Beach (10.2 km).

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Drifter Christchurch?

No, Drifter Christchurch does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Drifter Christchurch?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves lunch and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at Drifter Christchurch?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Drifter Christchurch?

No, pets are not allowed.

Drifter Christchurch Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 149 out of 229 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 53 out of 229 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 17 out of 229 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 229 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 229 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place to stay especially for solo travellers
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome distribution and very clean. Great location
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great property with an awesome vibe. Rooms and facilities were great and the location was so central and convenient. Would def stay again - and do yoga next time!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great vibe and perfect central location
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The shops nearby and within walking distance are so convenient.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My family and I stayed in the 4 bed with bathroom for one night. It was clean, quiet, and comfortable. We all slept well.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was a great experience. Very clean and kind. Lots of cool amenities like a cinema and library. Very cute and lots of space!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and vibe.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We arrived late and the staff were super helpful
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing facility with great staff and a safe environment for young people travelling
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great venue, cooking facilities and shared relaxation space. Wonderful for travelers of all ages!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and staff. Profits to transportation, shopping, sites and restaurants/cafe.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely place to stay, easy walk to the shops and dining!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
good stay
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were brilliant. Couldn't do enough for you. Only downer was constant music in ground floor area preventing any form of relaxation. If you must have music try jazz
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Drifter is central to everything in Christchurch. They have embraced technology with a phone app to access the elevator and room. Themed rooms for movies, yoga and a kitchen meant all needs are catered for. I'll pack my yoga clothes for my next visit. We enjoyed the food in the bar area. It was noisy up until midnight, so pack your ear plugs for a weekend stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean and friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic staff and excellent room (suited our family perfectly)! Right in town so close to restaurants as well.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great stay
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Lovely room, amazing shower and bed. Great staff, great coffee.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location is very nice.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room was small but super clean
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were very welcoming and gave us early access to our room. Greatly appreciated, after a very stressful early morning that saw us nearly not make the trip. Awesome location, to town, restaurants and One Stadium. Highly recommend for that. There was a bit of noise from plumbing pipes in other areas - were woken early on our first night due to that. Cool looking place, with a great vibe.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is clean and is located in a central area within walking distance to many must seen sites. The staff was very friendly and nice!
Kim is the nicest and very professional staff. It was a pleasure to get to know you.
Thank you!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025