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Drifter Christchurch

3.5 star property
Hotel with a restaurant, 7-minute walk to Cathedral Square

Choose dates to view prices

Located close to Cathedral Square and Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre, Drifter Christchurch provides a terrace, a firepit and a coffee shop/cafe. The on-site restaurant, Rambler, offers lunch and dinner. Fitness classes and Pilates classes are offered at the 24-hour gym; Drifter Christchurch also has a library, laundry facilities and an outdoor entertainment area. Free in-room WiFi and a bar are available to all guests.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Gym
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning
The current price is NZ$170
includes taxes & fees
5 Nov - 6 Nov

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 11 of 11 rooms

View all photos for Superior Queen Room

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Queen Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Digital channels
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Premium King Suite

Premium King Suite

Premium King Suite

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Queen Room with Balcony

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Queen Room with Balcony

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Digital channels
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk

Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk | Living area

Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Balcony
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Renovated in 2024
Sofa bed
Separate bedroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Renovated in 2024
Sofa bed
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Premium Private Suite - 8 Bed

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Premium Private Suite - 8 Bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
Mobile key entry
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Premium Private Female Suite - 8 Bed

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Premium Private Female Suite - 8 Bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
Mobile key entry
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Private Suite - 4 Beds

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Private Suite - 4 Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Detached private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
Mobile key entry
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Private Suite - 8 Beds

Private Suite - 8 Beds

Private Suite - 8 Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Daily housekeeping
Mobile key entry
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Renovated in 2024
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Digital channels
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
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About the area

Map
96 Lichfield St, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011

What's nearby

  • 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
  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens - 7 min drive - 1.5 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
  • ‪Joe's Garage - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Kebab Masters - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Drifter Christchurch

Hotel remodelled in 2024 and located near Cathedral Square
Located close to Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre and Christchurch Casino, Drifter Christchurch provides a terrace, a firepit and a coffee shop/cafe. The on-site restaurant, Rambler, offers lunch and dinner. Fitness classes and Pilates classes are offered at the 24-hour gym; Drifter Christchurch also has a library, laundry facilities and an outdoor entertainment area. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities, such as a bar.
You'll also find perks such as:
  • Express check-out, express check-in and a water dispenser
  • Books, a TV in reception and a 24-hour front desk
  • A billiards/pool table, a nature reserve and evening entertainment
Room features
All 95 rooms boast comforts such as air conditioning, as well as amenities such as free WiFi.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Eco-friendly toiletries and showers
  • Heating and daily housekeeping

Awards and affiliations

Eco-certified property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award – a programme that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural heritage and the local economy.

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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

Food and drink

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

Restaurants on site

  • Rambler

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Evening entertainment
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Lift (160 centimetre 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

More

  • 1 building
  • 4 floors
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Renovated entire property - June 2024
  • Rooftop garden

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 per cent 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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for NZD 28 per night.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Rollaway bed fee: NZD 28 per night
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2 per cent

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

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

Is Drifter Christchurch pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Drifter Christchurch?

As of 3 Nov 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drifter Christchurch on 5 Nov 2025 start from NZ$169.99, 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.

How much is parking at Drifter Christchurch?

Drifter Christchurch doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at Drifter Christchurch?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at Drifter Christchurch?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Drifter Christchurch located?

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Cathedral Square and Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre. Hagley Park and Christchurch Casino are also within 1 mi (2 km).

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Drifter Christchurch Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 70 out of 112 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 29 out of 112 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 112 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 112 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 112 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Summer

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

8/10 Good

RYOTA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location is very nice.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debra

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

8/10 Good

Andrew

A pleasant place to stay. Quiet and comfy bed.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

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

10/10 Excellent

Anja

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Perfect location
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good quiet room and modern facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome place to stay in Christchurch CBD.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Pui Sze

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

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

Heather

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

4/10 Poor

Eming

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Self check in property, super tiny wash face basin, ceiling light only worked once when we entered the room and thereafter despite informing a guy at check in counter upon going out for dinner problem was not resolved. How did this hotel get 4 stars ?
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Marla

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

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

8/10 Good

Elyn

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

Katie

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

8/10 Good

Kyle

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

Hila

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

10/10 Excellent

Priscilla

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

10/10 Excellent

Xuan

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

10/10 Excellent

Robyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great option
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

FUMINO

Liked: Cleanliness
I decided on this hotel because it was close to the intercity bus stop. It was cheap and convenient, and the receptionist was friendly. I didn't know how to use the Goki app, but they kindly explained it to me. Once you get used to it, you can check out from the app, which is convenient. Although the facilities are insufficient (there are no shelves in the bathroom so you can't put your toiletries there, and there are no chairs or desks), the supermarket is nearby and it was very convenient. If I go again, I think I'll stay at this hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a cool place to stay in the cbd. Beds were super comfy.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025