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Drifter Christchurch

3.0 star property
Hostel with a restaurant, a quick walk to Cathedral Square

Photo gallery for Drifter Christchurch

Lunch and dinner served
Exterior
Property amenity
Fitness facility
Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk | Living area

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Gym
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
The current price is AU$123
includes taxes & fees
16 Aug - 17 Aug

Explore the area

View 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

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Private Suite - 8 Beds

Private Suite - 8 Beds

Private Suite - 8 Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
Mobile key entry
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Private Suite - 4 Beds

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Private Suite - 4 Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Detached private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
Mobile key entry
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Digital channels
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin 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
Free cots/infant beds
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
Mobile key entry
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin 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
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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
Free cots/infant beds
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
Mobile key entry
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin 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
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Digital channels
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Digital channels
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk

Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk | Living area

Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Balcony
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Renovated in 2024
Sofa bed
Separate bedroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Loft Suite with Two Queen Rooms

Books

Loft Suite with Two Queen Rooms

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Renovated in 2024
Sofa bed
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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  • Free WiFi
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4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,002 reviews
The price is AU$151
includes taxes & fees
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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 a restaurant, a 24-hour gym and a bar/lounge. .The restaurant, Rambler, is open for lunch and dinner. Enjoy access to aerobics classes, yoga classes and Pilates classes. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a coffee shop/cafe and laundry facilities. .Sights within a 20-minute walk of this 3-property class 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

  • ‪Nando's - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Smash Palace - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪C1 Espresso - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Joe's Garage - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Café 165 - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Drifter Christchurch

Hostel with a restaurant, a quick walk to Cathedral Square
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 24-hour 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-star Christchurch hostel.

  • 1 building
  • 95 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
  • 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.

Languages

English

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includes taxes & fees
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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

  • 24-hour gym
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Evening entertainment
  • Fitness classes
  • Library
  • Pilates classes
  • TV in common areas
  • 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
  • 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
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Mobile key entry

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
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Guests are required to download the property's Goki mobile app before check-in

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for NZD 28 per night.

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.

  • Rollaway bed fee: NZD 28 per night
  • 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. Guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

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 15 Aug 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drifter Christchurch on 16 Aug 2025 start from AU$123.25, 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.

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. 57 out of 93 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 24 out of 93 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 93 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 93 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 93 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Katie

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The digital check in didn’t work, none of the digital keys worked. Thankfully someone working at the bar was able to help us open the elevator door. There was no actual employees when we checked in because it was 11pm. The one towel in our room had blood on it, but once again no employees were there to get us a new one.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

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