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Drifter Christchurch

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

Photo gallery for Drifter Christchurch

Free WiFi, bed sheets
Bar (on property)
Free WiFi, bed sheets
Premium King Suite
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
The current price is NZ$174
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr

Explore the area

Map
96 Lichfield St, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011
  • Cathedral Square
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Hagley Park
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Christchurch (CHC-Christchurch Intl.)
    ‪23 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Premium King Suite

Premium King Suite

Premium King Suite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Private Suite - 8 Beds

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Private Suite - 8 Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Private Suite - 4 Beds

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Private Suite - 4 Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Family Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Premium Private Female Suite - 8 Bed

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Premium Private Female Suite - 8 Bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Superior Queen Room with Balcony

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Queen Room with Balcony

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Premium Private Suite - 8 Bed

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Premium Private Suite - 8 Bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Superior Queen Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Queen Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Loft Suite with Two Queen Rooms

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Loft Suite with Two Queen Rooms

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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 free in-room WiFi. .Enjoy access to aerobics classes, yoga classes and Pilates classes. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, laundry facilities and a microwave in a common area. .Sights within a 20-minute walk of this Christchurch City Centre hostel include Hagley Park and Christchurch Casino.
View more Hostels in ChristchurchOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cathedral Square - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Hagley Park - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Christchurch Casino - 17 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens - 5 min drive - 2.0 km

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
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
  • Fridge in a common area
  • Water dispenser
Drifter Christchurch offers 328 accommodations with air conditioning. 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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Front of property

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  • Air conditioning
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4.1 out of 5, Very good, 1,002 reviews
The price is NZ$98
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

Things to do

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

  • No lift
  • 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 11:00 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2 per cent 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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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 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
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. 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. 

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 25 Mar 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drifter Christchurch on 1 Apr 2025 start from NZ$173.87, 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.

What time are check-in & check-out at Drifter Christchurch?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Drifter Christchurch?

No, pets are not allowed.

Drifter Christchurch Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 48 out of 80 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 80 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 80 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 80 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 80 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Central, modern hotel with a great vibe
Great central location, modern hotel with an awesome bar on ground level. Need the Goki App to access hotel and it can be a little confusing for non tech savvy people but otherwise would highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol, Fort Collins

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great updates!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

4/10 Poor

Yusuke

Business traveller
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
App key was terrible. Most cases didn’t work on, so I needed to wait for someone coming out. Technology makes me uncomfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Business traveller, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A lovely hotel. The rooms and facilities were well presented and clean, with nice bathroom products as well. The location is also great, right in the centre of town. Only downside is the need to download an app to access lifta/rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay way so nice, the hotel is very vibey and convenient location! Super cute
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rotem

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mathew

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A pleasant stay in a newly renovated old building. My one complaint would be the A/C in the room was programmed to turn off 70 minutes after you turn it on. Which meant I was waking up through the night overheating, as it was quite humid. If I tried to change the switch off timer it would just default back.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Olivia Staunton

One of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed in. Everyone was welcoming, lovely facilities all round, clean and great value for money. Rooms are lovely, airy and clean. Same for the bathrooms, the complimentary Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel a really nice bonus. So many communal areas, all really nice, welcoming and clean. The fitness studio was an added bonus for a much needed stretch after a long flight, as was the complementary coffee and tea in the kitchen. Would thoroughly recommend Drifter’s to anyone looking for somewhere to stay in Christchurch.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a great stay. Cool place, right in yhe middle of town. Super friendly staff and they were really efficient too! Great place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Kyle

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I personally quite admire this vision of Drifter being a hybrid of a hostel a hotel. Not an easy task as these two types(or more) customers are rather different. As a hostel, the kitchen is too small to accommodate the amount of users; as a hotel it probably falls into a two-star setup, even tho it has a five-star interior. Over all, the staff was superb. Obviously a much younger generation with a rather professional and yet friendly attitude and work ethic. Cudos!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

J

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Kevin, WALLAROO

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a new property with a mix of hostel and hotel accommodation. I stayed in the hotel section and the room was clean but not particularly well sound proofed. The hotel also relies on technology for online self check-in and a digital key via an app. I found the check-in process to have a few issues and ended up having to check-in in person once I arrived at the hotel. However, I'm sure these bugs will be ironed out over time.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Shenglu

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Smart lock is a plus
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Heather

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Right next to transport hub.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jess

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good central location. Automated check in was a bit painful and noise from what I guess is an apartment above the 4th floor was annoying both ends of the day.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024