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
Fitness facility
Exterior
Premium King Suite
Property amenity

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • 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.)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

Superior Queen Room

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

Premium King Suite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Queen Room with Balcony

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Family Room

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

Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Loft Suite with Two Queen Rooms

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Private Deluxe 8 Bed Ensuite Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds

Private Deluxe 8 Bed Female Ensuite Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds

Private Superior 4 Bed Ensuite Room

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

Private Superior 8 Bed Ensuite Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds

Superior Twin Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Private Superior 4 Bed Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

Private Superior 4 Bed Female Ensuite Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

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About the area

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 - 0.4 km
  • Cathedral Square - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Hagley Park - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Christchurch Casino - 14 min walk - 1.3 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪C1 Espresso - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Smash Palace - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Akin - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Pink Lady Rooftop - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Two Fat Indians - ‬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
  • 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

  • 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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
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. 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

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 Apr 9, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drifter Christchurch on Apr 29, 2026 start from CA $97, 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. 101 out of 164 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 40 out of 164 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 14 out of 164 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 164 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 164 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Donna

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
More of a young back packer accomodation not what I was expecting unfortunately
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Scott

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Room was tidy and clean. Common areas were also tidy. Though, for a somewhat steep price point - I wouldn’t call this a hotel. It is more of a hostel. There are very limited in room amenities - basically none. It’s a safe, convenient hotel that is a place to rest really - no frills.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Fuk Hing

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
一般
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Caren

Lots of interesting characteristics. Nice large balcony that needed cleaning.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Robyn

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Poor access - wheel chair access down a side lane - you need to request access. Have to take luggage up stairs to get in. No parking. Noisey at night from in house bar / club. Multiple emails requesting on line check in - no check in at desk. No fridge in room despite being a Superior King suite. Stayed 4 nights - room not vacuumed. Cups not washed. Not always provided with hand towels and wash clothes. Mixed accommodation - someone sitting on hallway floor. Hotel prices but hostel services.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dale

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

TRICIA

Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Staff & service
I arrived at 4:30 and my room wasn't ready. The digital check in was brutal. If that's how they're going to run it, the lobby should be auto-connect wifi. I wasn't connected, so I didn't receive the message about my room not being ready. I went through the digital checking crap with both my backpacks on me (lobby was packed), finally got to my room to find cleaners in it. I had a zoom meeting I needed to join, so I wish I had known. I didn't realize this was a hostel, so I guess I was just expecting the warm reception of a typical hotel, for the price.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Douglas

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kendal

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Amenities
Quirky. The balcony didn't really look out on anything, but we didn't use it so no big deal.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All was good
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

janet

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

janet

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great room ,spotless throughout. Great to have big bathtowels too. Staff always helpful and comfortable beds with good quality linen
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

HAOYANG, Angle Park

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Where hospitable staff and stylish decorations! To all landmarks walking can complete 💯!very cool !
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lori, Palm Coast

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the location right next to bus terminal, food shopping across the street, and walkable to so many great venues. The hotel offers so many different room types and includes a communal cooking, gathering space. My room (with bathroom) was small, but comfortable and quiet - with a library and outdoor space on the same floor. Have already booked it for our next visit.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Henry

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, friendly and helpful staff
View from our room up on level 4
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hila

Travelled with group
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

8/10 Good

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jefferson

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Summer

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great room, awesome concept the bar had really tasty sharing menu couldn’t fault my stay
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Michelle

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
check in was a nightmare. very stressful.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Safe, convenient location - next to tram stop & walking distance to great food venues- plus supermarket
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debra

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Shower was amazing
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Greg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025