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Drifter Christchurch

2.0 star property
Hostel with a 24-hour front desk, a quick walk to Cathedral Square

Photo gallery for Drifter Christchurch

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets
Premium King Suite
Terrace/patio
Fitness facility
Restaurant

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
The current price is AU$111
includes taxes & fees
9 July - 10 July

Explore the area

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

Room options

View all photos for Premium King Suite

Premium King Suite

Premium King Suite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Private Suite - 8 Beds

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Private Suite - 8 Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Private Suite - 4 Beds

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Private Suite - 4 Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Family Room

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Premium Private Female Suite - 8 Bed

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Premium Private Female Suite - 8 Bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Superior Queen Room with Balcony

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Queen Room with Balcony

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Premium Private Suite - 8 Bed

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Premium Private Suite - 8 Bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Superior Queen Room

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Queen Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Loft Suite with Two Queen Rooms

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Loft Suite with Two Queen Rooms

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the area

Christchurch

Drifter Christchurch puts you in the heart of Christchurch, within just a 10-minute stroll of Cathedral Square and Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre. Highlights at this hostel include free in-room WiFi. .Enjoy access to aerobics classes, yoga classes and Pilates classes. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, laundry facilities and a microwave in a common area. .Sights within a 20-minute walk of this Christchurch City Centre hostel include Hagley Park and Christchurch Casino.
View more Hostels in ChristchurchOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • 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
  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens - 7 min drive - 1.5 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Joe's Garage Christchurch Central - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Nando's - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪C1 Espresso - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Pink Lady Rooftop - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Eightgrains - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Drifter Christchurch

Hostel with a 24-hour front desk, a quick walk to Cathedral Square
As a guest of Drifter Christchurch, you'll find a library, a terrace, and a vending machine. WiFi is free in public spaces. Drifter Christchurch also features a garden, laundry facilities, and express check-in.

This Christchurch hostel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 328 guestrooms or units
  • 4 levels
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • No smoking on site
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Fridge in a common area
  • Water dispenser
Drifter Christchurch offers 328 accommodations with air conditioning. 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.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Executive Studio, 1 King Bed, City View

Christchurch City Hotel

  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
4.7 out of 5, Exceptional, 461 reviews
The price is AU$133
includes taxes & fees
13 July - 14 July
Christchurch City Hotel

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available

Things to do

  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Fitness classes
  • Library
  • Pilates classes
  • Yoga classes

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

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

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

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

Accessibility

  • No lift
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas

More

  • 1 building
  • 4 floors
  • Rooftop garden
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

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

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2 per cent for credit card payments
Guests will receive smart lock details
Guests are required to download the property's Goki mobile app before check-in

Access methods

Staffed front desk, smart lock

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

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
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. 

National rating

For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our ratings system.

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 23 June 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drifter Christchurch on 9 July 2025 start from AU$110.92, 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 New Brighton Beach (9.1 km).

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Drifter Christchurch?

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

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

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 50 out of 85 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 85 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 85 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 85 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 85 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good quiet room and modern facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel - was recommended to me and I would recommend to others.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Andrew

Business traveller
A pleasant place to stay. Quiet and comfy bed.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Marla

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
So enjoyed the design, the combination of old building and renovated chic and funky details. It was super clean, had unique spaces like a cinema with bean bags, an open to the sky courtyard, and lovely bar, barista and breakfast space. Also, many options for rooms from dorms to private rooms with ensuite facilities. The only issue is no affiliated parking and not convenient drop off/pick op space. I would go back for sure!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Noretta

Travelled with partner
Hotel Room too small for couple . Bathroom sink small and have no place to put personal toiletries, no cups are provided for tooth brushing. Bathroom light sensor not effective at all, it just switched off many time during showers, very very annoying. Room felt clean when we arrived, but felt no one really clean our room the next few days, may be just empty trash bin only. Smell from common kitchen does comes into the room. However, the bed is comfortable so we slept well. Location is very convenient. Overall, if anyone expecting a typical hotel service n facilities, this is not the place. It's really for young travelers and backpackers.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debbie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great places to stay we stayed for a girls night in town and was perfect
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
First time staying here and we loved it. Every is new and modern, and it was great having the bar downstairs - great margaritas!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Kate

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff were excellent. Location was ideal.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mealofa

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was the best hotel i have stayed at, the room was beautiful, great comfy beds & pillows. Location is the best, right in town with the bus exchange right next door and a supermarket straight across the road. Rambler Bar was a great spot, and made the best espresso martini, yum. My new favorite hotel in Christchurch and i would definitely stay here again. Great customer service from all the staff, so well done. Cheers, Mealofa
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

kevin

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

great stay in Christchurch

We traveled as a family - four kids and mother in law, and got two suites. the outside of the building is very nice, but its next to a run down building so we were a little skeptical when we saw it. But the fears were misplaced. Great location, inside was great. More set up for the backpacker crowd - lots of rooms to meet or meet up with people. Great vibe. But it wasn't at all bad for families.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Everything great. Bathroom pretty small and would get completely wet with no door on shower. No bench to put belongings. Cleaning service wasn’t a full clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice and clean. Cool shower. Nice reception. Walkable to food.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to meet other people and very convenient location to get around Christchurch.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

german, Auckland

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful place in the heart of the CBD! It's just half a block from the bus station, making it super convenient for getting around. Highly recommend! The cleaning staff could use some improvement. Our room was cleaned late in the afternoon when we had already returned, and the towels weren’t changed daily. On one occasion, they took the used towels but forgot to replace them. Hopefully, this can be addressed for a smoother experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Pui Sze

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location close to The Riverside Market and Bus Terminal. Great bus service from airport to town and the hotel especially with Metro Card. Hotel is super relaxing with outdoor sitting Balcony. We will definitely come and stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Virgil

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

10/10 Excellent

Philipp

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Modern and with cool features, games and chill out lounges.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

HYEJIN, seoul

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Sinead

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Definitely one of the better hostels we've stayed at around the world, but there was only 1 kitchen/cooking area and for the nightly price we paid for the loft room, it didnt have a kitchenette, kettle or toaster, not so family friendly for kitchen needs if your bring children along on your travels.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Yuen Ting

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location is just next to the bus terminus and also walkable to the shopping area. It is great for traveller to go near or far
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Niamh

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great value, quiet rooms, can walk everywhere
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

4/10 Poor

Ross

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It's a pretty special place. Impeccable design, comfy beds, nice showers, and a great bar downstairs. Would come back for sure
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Elyn

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location: Very near to bus interchange and shopping district. Facilities: The communal kitchen is a good place to gather and meet people from all works of life. There are also other interesting places (i.e movie room, library, etc) in the building. Room: Stayed in Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk with my family. Lovely place. However, no kettle/cups and would need to go down to the kitchen to get water with your own bottle. Ensuite bathroom is small, and floor got wet easily (bathmat is as good as none). Overall: A great stay at Drifter and will stay again when visiting Christchurch.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024