See all properties

Drifter Christchurch

3.5 star property
3.5-star hotel near One New Zealand Stadium

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Drifter Christchurch

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

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Gym
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a 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.)
    ‪18 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Superior Queen Room

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Queen Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Premium King Suite

Premium King Suite | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Premium King Suite

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Queen Room with Balcony

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Queen Room with Balcony

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk

Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk | Living area | Books

Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 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)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Premium Private Suite - 8 Bed

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Premium Private Suite - 8 Bed

  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Premium Private Female Suite - 8 Bed

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Premium Private Female Suite - 8 Bed

  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Private Suite - 4 Beds

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Private Suite - 4 Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Private Suite - 8 Beds

Private Suite - 8 Beds | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Private Suite - 8 Beds

  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Twin Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Christchurch

Heart of Christchurch.Within a 10-minute walk of this Christchurch City Centre hotel, you'll find One New Zealand Stadium and Cathedral Square. Also, Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre is within half a mile (1 km) and Hagley Park is within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Cathedral Square - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Hagley Park - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Christchurch Casino - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens - 7 min drive - 0.9 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Smash Palace - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪C1 Espresso - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Akin - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Ello (Contemporary Lounge) - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Kebab Masters - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Drifter Christchurch

3.5-star hotel near One New Zealand Stadium
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 center, 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)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Television in lobby
  • Elevator
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Refrigerator in a common area
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Dining venue
Drifter Christchurch offers 95 accommodations. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is offered daily and hair dryers can be requested.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Food and drink

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

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Evening entertainment
  • Fitness classes
  • Library
  • Pilates classes
  • TV in common areas
  • Yoga classes

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator (63 inch 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

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 percent 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.

Property 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 percent

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, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm 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, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. No onsite parking is available. 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 Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. Guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

National rating

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

How close is Drifter Christchurch to the airport?

Drifter Christchurch is 7 mi (23-min drive) away from the Christchurch International Airport (CHC) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Drifter Christchurch?

As of Nov 13, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drifter Christchurch on Nov 17, 2025 start from $88.62, excluding 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.

Does Drifter Christchurch have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Drifter Christchurch.

How close is Drifter Christchurch to the beach?

This hotel is 6.6 mi (17-min drive) from New Brighton Beach and 7.1 mi (20-min drive) from Sumner Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Drifter Christchurch offer free breakfast?

Drifter Christchurch does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Drifter Christchurch?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Christchurch Casino (17-min walk) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Drifter Christchurch?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at Drifter Christchurch?

Free parking is not available at this hotel.

Does Drifter Christchurch have a pool?

Drifter Christchurch does not have a pool.

Does Drifter Christchurch have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Drifter Christchurch have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Drifter Christchurch to downtown Christchurch?

Drifter Christchurch is 0.3 mi away from Christchurch.

Drifter Christchurch Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 73 out of 117 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 31 out of 117 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 117 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 117 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 117 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darshaka

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

Very Helpful Staff

Staff (Roo) were very helpful as I sustained an injury whilst out on a trek. Made our a stay very comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robyn

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

10/10 Excellent

Beverley

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a cool place to stay in the cbd. Beds were super comfy.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Igor

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Trendy place for your peiple but also suits families. Good value for money.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Eming

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Self check in property, super tiny wash face basin, ceiling light only worked once when we entered the room and thereafter despite informing a guy at check in counter upon going out for dinner problem was not resolved. How did this hotel get 4 stars ?
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

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

6/10 Okay

Katie

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

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

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

8/10 Good

Marla

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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 traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

german, Auckland

Traveled 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