Drifter Christchurch

Property class: 3.5
3.5-star hotel near One New Zealand Stadium

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Drifter Christchurch

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

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Bar
  • Laundry

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.)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Room options

Superior Queen Room

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

Premium King Suite

  • 226 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Queen Room with Balcony

  • 237 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Family Room

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

Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 538 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Loft Suite with Two Queen Rooms

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

Bunkhouse Deluxe 8 Person - Ensuite

  • 334 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds

Bunkhouse Deluxe 8 Persons - Ensuite

  • 334 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds

Bunkhouse Superior 4 Person - Ensuite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 129 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

Bunkhouse Superior 8 Person - Ensuite

  • 334 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds

Superior Twin Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 129 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Bunkhouse Superior 4 Person

  • 129 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

Bunkhouse Superior 4 Persons - Ensuite

  • 129 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

Bed in dormitory CAPACITY 8

  • Sleeps 1

Bed in dormitory STANDARD

  • Sleeps 1

Bed in dormitory SUPERIOR

  • Sleeps 1

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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

  • Riverside Market - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • 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

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Akin - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪C1 Espresso - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Café 165 - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Banh Mi Em - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Joe's Garage - ‬4 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 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)
  • 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.

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

Food and drink

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

Things to do

  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Evening entertainment
  • Fitness classes
  • Gym
  • 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
  • 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 percent 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.

Property 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 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
Onsite 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, 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. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each 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

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 Oct 4, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drifter Christchurch on Oct 13, 2026 start from $96, 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.

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. 146 out of 223 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 51 out of 223 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 17 out of 223 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 223 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 223 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
Lovely stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 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

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

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
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: 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, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and vibe.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 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, property conditions & facilities
good stay
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 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, 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, 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 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, staff & service, amenities
Lovely room, amazing shower and bed. Great staff, great coffee.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
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

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
Great stay
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness
Room had no wardrobe to hang clothes in. Should be tagged as a hostel rather than hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hostel. Not much space in room if you 2 suitcases.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice room and delicious food, 👌 Friendly & professional staff. We can definitely recommend this place.😃
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026