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Drifter Christchurch

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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Drifter Christchurch

Restaurant
Fitness facility
Bar (on property)
Property amenity
Superior Twin Room | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

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Room options

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 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 Private Suite - 4 Beds

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Private Suite - 4 Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Superior Twin Room

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

Superior Twin Room

  • 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 | Books

Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk

  • 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)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Christchurch

Located in Christchurch City Centre, Drifter Christchurch is within a 10-minute walk of popular sights such as Cathedral Square and Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre. This 95-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, a library, and express check-in.
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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 with a 24-hour front desk, a quick walk to Cathedral Square
Drifter Christchurch features free WiFi in public areas, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. The front desk is staffed 24/7 to help with luggage storage, and answer any questions about the accommodations. Additional amenities include a library, express check-in, and express check-out.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English

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Property amenities

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
  • 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
  • Garden
  • 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.
  • Elevator (63 inch wide door)
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Thin carpet 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
  • Renovated entire property - June 2024
  • 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 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

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2 percent

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

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
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking in and out are easy with express services.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

Are free cancellation options available at Drifter Christchurch?

Drifter Christchurch offers free cancellation on some room rates. If you'd like to learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Drifter Christchurch?

As of Jun 25, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drifter Christchurch on Jul 5, 2025 start from $77.1, 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.

What's there to see around Drifter Christchurch?

This hostel is situated in Christchurch City Centre, just steps from High Street and City New Life Church, and within a short walk of Riverside Market. You'll also find Hagley Park and Cathedral Square less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at Drifter Christchurch?

No, there isn't parking available at the hostel.

Does Drifter Christchurch have a casino at the property?

No, Drifter Christchurch doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Drifter Christchurch?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Drifter Christchurch?

Couples will appreciate amenities like a nature reserve, an outdoor entertainment area, and a library at this hostel.

Does Drifter Christchurch have a hot tub?

No, this hostel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Drifter Christchurch feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Drifter Christchurch doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Drifter Christchurch allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Drifter Christchurch.

Does Drifter Christchurch have connecting rooms?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How close is the airport from Drifter Christchurch?

The closest major airport to Drifter Christchurch is Christchurch International Airport (CHC), which is 7 mi away (23 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Drifter Christchurch?

Yes, some rooms at Drifter Christchurch offer a balcony.

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

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

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