Drifter Christchurch

3.5 star property

Photo gallery for Drifter Christchurch

Lunch and dinner served
Fitness facility
Property amenity
Premium King Suite
Exterior

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Bar
  • Laundry room
The current price is NZ$131
includes taxes & fees
14 June - 15 June

Explore the area

View 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

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

Premium King Suite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Superior Queen Room with Balcony

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Family Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Loft Suite with Two Queen Rooms

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

Private Deluxe 8 Bed Ensuite Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Bunk Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Private Deluxe 8 Bed Female Ensuite Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Bunk Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Private Superior 4 Bed Ensuite Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Private Superior 8 Bed Ensuite Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Bunk Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Superior Twin Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Private Superior 4 Bed Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Private Superior 4 Bed Female Ensuite Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

About the area

Christchurch

Drifter Christchurch puts you in the heart of Christchurch, within just a 10-minute stroll of One New Zealand Stadium and Cathedral Square. Highlights at this hotel include a restaurant and in-room free WiFi. .The restaurant, Rambler, is open for lunch and dinner. The hotel's own lounge bar is a nice place to enjoy a drink. Enjoy the gym along with access to aerobics classes and yoga classes. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a coffee shop/cafe and laundry facilities. .Places within a 15-minute walk of this 3.5-property class Christchurch City Centre hotel include Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre and Hagley Park.

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
  • ‪Sushi Soldier - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Akin - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Smash Palace - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Café 165 - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Drifter Christchurch

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 centre, 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
  • Lift
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Fridge in a common area
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Dining venue
Drifter Christchurch offers 95 accommodations. 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.

Similar properties

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

  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Evening entertainment
  • Fitness classes
  • Gym
  • Library
  • Pilates classes
  • TV in common areas
  • Yoga classes

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • 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
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2 per cent for credit card payments
Guests will receive smart lock details
Guests are recommended to download the property's Duve mobile app before check-in
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.

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
On-site 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 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
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 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. 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. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in all 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).

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

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 12 Jun 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drifter Christchurch on 14 Jun 2026 start from NZ$131, 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.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Drifter Christchurch?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves lunch and dinner.

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

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Drifter Christchurch?

No, pets are not allowed.

Drifter Christchurch Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 114 out of 185 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 45 out of 185 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 17 out of 185 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 185 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 185 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bernadette

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

10/10 Excellent

Rhiannon

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and vibe.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kobus

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean and friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Zak

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Lovely room, amazing shower and bed. Great staff, great coffee.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Mary Anne

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

10/10 Excellent

Jesper

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Abbey

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

8/10 Good

RYOTA

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

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Henry

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Lovely room. Could improve these things: AC was noisy and a bit cold in the day and hot at night; the shower went hot and cold - good pressure though; no desk to work at.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristine

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
New, clean and central
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Khalid

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very cool how they mixed a hotel and hostel vibe. We brought our family and it was good for them to see how fun it is for young people to travel like I used to. Check-in was a bit clunky, but not too bad.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Virgil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great stay
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Staff, room, security all out of this world great!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

He

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was good and high tech, good location to catch the busses too. But short of reception staff and water was not very hot in shower
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

HAOYANG

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
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Claire

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, easy walking distance to all of central christchurch. Friendly staff, modern, clean facilities, good price.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

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
Verified

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
Verified

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