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Drifter Christchurch

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

Photo gallery for Drifter Christchurch

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

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Gym
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning
The current price is NZ$180
includes taxes & fees
18 Dec - 19 Dec

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.)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Superior Queen Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Queen Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(8 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
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Digital channels
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Queen Room with Balcony

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 - double
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 - double
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Premium Private Suite - 8 Bed

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Premium Private Suite - 8 Bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Renovated in 2024
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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Premium Private Female Suite - 8 Bed

Highlights

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

View all photos for Private Suite - 4 Beds

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Private Suite - 4 Beds

Highlights

Air conditioning
Renovated in 2024
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
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

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 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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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, a 24-hour gym and a bar/lounge. .The restaurant, Rambler, is open for lunch and dinner. Enjoy access to aerobics classes, yoga classes and Pilates 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
  • ‪Akin - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Smash Palace - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Pink Lady Rooftop - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Kebab Masters - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Drifter Christchurch

Hotel with a restaurant, 7-minute walk to Cathedral Square
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 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)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • 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.

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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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
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.

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 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
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. Guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

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 13 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drifter Christchurch on 18 Dec 2025 start from NZ$180.00, 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 Sumner Beach (10.2 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. 79 out of 127 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 33 out of 127 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 127 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 127 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 127 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

Greg

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

8/10 Good

Renee

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location was fab, but lack of parking is an issue!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Shikha

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Clean room. Little noise from other occupants. But nothing major.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexis

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

8/10 Good

Nadia

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Claire

Business traveller, Travelled with group
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

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

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

10/10 Excellent

Darshaka

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very Helpful Staff

Staff (Roo) were very helpful as I sustained an injury whilst out on a trek. Made our a stay very comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robyn

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

10/10 Excellent

Beverley

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Travelled with family and small children
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

10/10 Excellent

Igor

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Trendy place for your peiple but also suits families. Good value for money.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Eming

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Katie

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

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

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

8/10 Good

Marla

Travelled 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

Travelled 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