Drifter Christchurch

2.0 star property
Hostel near Cathedral Square in Christchurch

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Photo gallery for Drifter Christchurch

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets
Reception
Front of property
Premium King Suite | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets
Terrace/patio

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi

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

Premium King Suite

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Private Suite - 8 Beds

  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds

Private Suite - 4 Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

Family Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Premium Private Female Suite - 8 Bed

  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds

Superior Queen Room with Balcony

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Premium Private Suite - 8 Bed

  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds

Superior Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Superior Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Loft Suite with Two Queen Rooms

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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About the neighborhood

Christchurch

Heart of Christchurch.Within a 10-minute walk of this Christchurch City Centre hostel, you'll find Cathedral Square and Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre. Hagley Park and Christchurch Casino are also 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

  • ‪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 near Cathedral Square in Christchurch
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
  • Refrigerator in a common area
  • Water dispenser
Drifter Christchurch offers 328 accommodations with air conditioning. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is offered daily and hair dryers can be requested.

Languages

English

Similar properties

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

Things to do

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

Accessibility

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

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 percent 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.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

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.

  • 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. 

National rating

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

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.

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 hostel is 6.6 mi (17-min drive) from New Brighton Beach and 7 mi (15-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 hostel, 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 hostel.

Does Drifter Christchurch have a pool?

Drifter Christchurch does not have a pool.

Does Drifter Christchurch have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

How close is Drifter Christchurch to downtown Christchurch?

Drifter Christchurch is 0.3 mi away from Christchurch.

Drifter Christchurch Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 50 out of 84 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 84 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 84 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 84 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 84 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

8/10 Good

Pui Sze

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

6/10 Okay

Lorraine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
It is a rabbit Warren of a hotel and a I was very concerned about people getting out should there be a fire
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca J

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Ashley

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really great place for the price! The lock system was a bit confusing to get around, but other than that really enjoyed our stay and would definitely come again.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024