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Drifter Christchurch

3.5 star property

Photo gallery for Drifter Christchurch

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

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Bar
  • Laundry room
The current price is NZ$191
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr

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

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

View all photos for Premium King Suite

Premium King Suite

Premium King Suite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Queen Room with Balcony

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Queen Room with Balcony

  • 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)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single 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)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single 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)
  • 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

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Premium Private Female Suite - 8 Bed

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Premium Private Female Suite - 8 Bed

  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Private Suite - 4 Beds

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Private Suite - 4 Beds

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Private Suite - 8 Beds

Private Suite - 8 Beds

Private Suite - 8 Beds

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room

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

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
  • ‪Two Fat Indians - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Smash Palace - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Dux Central - ‬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 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
  • 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.

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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
  • 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
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. 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

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 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drifter Christchurch on 1 Apr 2026 start from NZ$191, 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.

Is there a golf course on site at Drifter Christchurch?

There isn't one on site, but Hagley Golf Club is a short 18-minute walk away.

Drifter Christchurch Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 93 out of 152 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 38 out of 152 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 12 out of 152 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 152 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 152 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kristine

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Abbey

Travelled with family
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

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