What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is at 10:00. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available upon request, and additional charges may apply.

Where is the hotel located in relation to key landmarks?

The hotel is centrally located in Christchurch, within a 10-minute walk of One New Zealand Stadium and Cathedral Square, and approximately 0.5 mi from Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre and 0.8 mi from Hagley Park.

What are the hotel's policies for guests staying with children?

Children are allowed at the property, but specific age policies for free stays are not provided.

What are the policies regarding extra beds and cribs?

The property offers rollaway beds for a fee of NZD 28 per night. Advance request for rollaway beds is required.

Drifter Christchurch Hotel

Average nightly price at Drifter Christchurch by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	US$85
February	US$126
March	US$81
April	US$78
May	US$73
June	US$69
July	US$74
August	US$76
September	US$79
October	US$69
November	US$85
December	US$84

What guests think

At Drifter Christchurch, guests praise the central, walkable location and hybrid hotel‑hostel vibe with lively communal spaces, while feedback often notes compact rooms, app‑based check‑in and digital keys that can be confusing or unreliable for some.

Many highlight friendly, helpful staff, comfortable beds, and excellent showers. Some guests report occasional housekeeping lapses, a small elevator, and no on‑site parking. Expect a central, social stay best for travelers comfortable with app‑led processes.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities center on social spaces: a popular bar, communal kitchen, cinema/library areas, courtyard, and a small fitness/yoga space, with app‑based digital access. Downsides mentioned include a tiny elevator and no affiliated parking.

Related guest reviews

4

Kathryn

10 Feb 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Tiny elevator and room. All digital elevator access and lack of space meant long unnecessary delays. This hotel is designed for GenZ only - this should be mentioned in hotel listing. Won’t be staying again.

10

Olivia Staunton

29 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

10

Philipp

6 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Modern and with cool features, games and chill out lounges.

8

Elyn

13 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

10

Benjamin

26 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Yoga

10

Leonie

5 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great facilities. Perfect location.

10

Kimberly

5 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

First time staying here and we loved it. Every is new and modern, and it was great having the bar downstairs - great margaritas!

10

Mealofa

23 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This was the best hotel i have stayed at, the room was beautiful, great comfy beds & pillows. Location is the best, right in town with the bus exchange right next door and a supermarket straight across the road. Rambler Bar was a great spot, and made the best espresso martini, yum. My new favorite hotel in Christchurch and i would definitely stay here again. Great customer service from all the staff, so well done. Cheers, Mealofa

8

Marla

12 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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!

10

Summer

22 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great room, awesome concept the bar had really tasty sharing menu couldn’t fault my stay

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Cleanliness

Reviews frequently describe rooms and common areas as clean or spotless. A few note housekeeping inconsistencies, such as late service or missed towel changes, and one report of a stained towel.

Related guest reviews

10

Hila

3 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

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!

8

Claire

24 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location, easy walking distance to all of central christchurch. Friendly staff, modern, clean facilities, good price.

8

Henry

5 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean room, friendly and helpful staff

6

Katie

27 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

8

Yasuto

19 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

部屋が新しく綺麗だった。しかしTVがスマホとコネクティングしないと映らず、設定等が面倒であった。

Translate

10

janet

10 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great room ,spotless throughout. Great to have big bathtowels too. Staff always helpful and comfortable beds with good quality linen

10

Xuan

11 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean and nice staff

10

Gregory

6 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice and clean. Cool shower. Nice reception. Walkable to food.

10

Andrew

7 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A lovely hotel. The rooms and facilities were well presented and clean, with nice bathroom products as well. The location is also great, right in the centre of town. Only downside is the need to download an app to access lifta/rooms.

10

german

16 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Wonderful place in the heart of the CBD! It's just half a block from the bus station, making it super convenient for getting around. Highly recommend! The cleaning staff could use some improvement. Our room was cleaned late in the afternoon when we had already returned, and the towels weren’t changed daily. On one occasion, they took the used towels but forgot to replace them. Hopefully, this can be addressed for a smoother experience.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are modern with comfortable beds and excellent showers, but many are very small with minimal storage or furniture; some suites are spacious for families. Expect quirks like phone‑connected TVs and an A/C timer in at least one room.

Related guest reviews

8

KA WAN

14 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good location, but the room is really small and there is no table.

10

Zak

13 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely room, amazing shower and bed. Great staff, great coffee.

4

Kathryn

10 Feb 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Tiny elevator and room. All digital elevator access and lack of space meant long unnecessary delays. This hotel is designed for GenZ only - this should be mentioned in hotel listing. Won’t be staying again.

10

Abbey

27 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic staff and excellent room (suited our family perfectly)! Right in town so close to restaurants as well.

10

Lori

8 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

8

FUMINO

15 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

8

Yasuto

19 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

部屋が新しく綺麗だった。しかしTVがスマホとコネクティングしないと映らず、設定等が面倒であった。

Translate

10

Mathew

29 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A pleasant stay in a newly renovated old building. My one complaint would be the A/C in the room was programmed to turn off 70 minutes after you turn it on. Which meant I was waking up through the night overheating, as it was quite humid. If I tried to change the switch off timer it would just default back.

4

Noretta

9 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

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.

10

chenyi

18 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

我預訂的是尊榮套房，房間很大，設備很新，房間跟電梯都是使用手機開啟，非常方便。就在巴士站旁邊，對面有超市，推薦！

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Staff are often described as friendly and helpful, with several guests praising standout assistance. However, self check‑in and digital keys can be confusing or fail, and late‑night arrivals reported limited staff presence.

Related guest reviews

10

Zak

13 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely room, amazing shower and bed. Great staff, great coffee.

2

Michelle

21 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

check in was a nightmare. very stressful.

10

Abbey

27 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic staff and excellent room (suited our family perfectly)! Right in town so close to restaurants as well.

8

Henry

5 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean room, friendly and helpful staff

10

Darshaka

11 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Staff (Roo) were very helpful as I sustained an injury whilst out on a trek. Made our a stay very comfortable.

10

stephanie

26 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff, room, security all out of this world great!!

8

FUMINO

15 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

6

Katie

27 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

2

TRICIA

22 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

10

janet

10 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great room ,spotless throughout. Great to have big bathtowels too. Staff always helpful and comfortable beds with good quality linen

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Central, walkable location next to the bus interchange and close to restaurants, markets and a supermarket. Some guests mention the lack of on‑site parking or convenient drop‑off space.

Related guest reviews

8

TORU

13 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

中心部に立地しており、しかもバスインターチェンジが近く、兎に角、便利な場所にあります。

Translate

10

Lori

8 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

8

Elyn

13 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

8

Heather

15 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Right next to transport hub.

8

Renee

29 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Location was fab, but lack of parking is an issue!

10

Mealofa

23 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This was the best hotel i have stayed at, the room was beautiful, great comfy beds & pillows. Location is the best, right in town with the bus exchange right next door and a supermarket straight across the road. Rambler Bar was a great spot, and made the best espresso martini, yum. My new favorite hotel in Christchurch and i would definitely stay here again. Great customer service from all the staff, so well done. Cheers, Mealofa

8

Pui Sze

15 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

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!

8

Marla

12 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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!

10

Diann

22 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

As a family we weren’t sure this new type of accommodation would be suited to us. We were wrong. The staff were friendly and so helpful. We met other people in the communal areas. It was safe and secure with modern up to date equipment and technology. A old building repurposed. Drifter is in the perfect position to centre of town. Close to supermarket places to eat , coffee and bus exchange. Well worth staying .

10

german

16 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Wonderful place in the heart of the CBD! It's just half a block from the bus station, making it super convenient for getting around. Highly recommend! The cleaning staff could use some improvement. Our room was cleaned late in the afternoon when we had already returned, and the towels weren’t changed daily. On one occasion, they took the used towels but forgot to replace them. Hopefully, this can be addressed for a smoother experience.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

The on‑site bar and coffee receive strong praise, including cocktails and a tasty sharing menu. Complimentary tea/coffee in the kitchen is appreciated; little is said about breakfast variety.

Related guest reviews

10

Zak

13 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely room, amazing shower and bed. Great staff, great coffee.

10

Joel

20 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It's a pretty special place. Impeccable design, comfy beds, nice showers, and a great bar downstairs. Would come back for sure

10

Olivia Staunton

29 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

10

Kimberly

5 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

First time staying here and we loved it. Every is new and modern, and it was great having the bar downstairs - great margaritas!

10

Mealofa

23 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This was the best hotel i have stayed at, the room was beautiful, great comfy beds & pillows. Location is the best, right in town with the bus exchange right next door and a supermarket straight across the road. Rambler Bar was a great spot, and made the best espresso martini, yum. My new favorite hotel in Christchurch and i would definitely stay here again. Great customer service from all the staff, so well done. Cheers, Mealofa

8

Marla

12 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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!

10

Summer

22 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great room, awesome concept the bar had really tasty sharing menu couldn’t fault my stay

10

Scott

24 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great central location, modern hotel with an awesome bar on ground level. Need the Goki App to access hotel and it can be a little confusing for non tech savvy people but otherwise would highly recommend.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $68	2 $61	3 $71	4 $81	5 $64	6 $73	7 $80
8 $66	9 $74	10 $74	11 $69	12 $72	13 $96	14 $102
15 $91	16 $89	17 $106	18 $93	19 $86	20 $91	21 $93
22 $83	23 $76	24 $80	25 $75	26 $72	27 $108	28 $69
29 $88	30 $79

Drifter Christchurch

Prices for Drifter Christchurch

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Superior Queen Room

Bunkhouse Superior 4 Person

Bunkhouse Superior 4 Persons Ensuite

Bunkhouse Superior 8 Person Ensuite

Bunkhouse Deluxe 8 Person Ensuite

Family Room

Superior Twin Room

Bunkhouse Deluxe 8 Persons Ensuite

Premium King Suite

Superior Queen Room with Balcony

Family Loft Suite with Queen and Bunk

Bunkhouse Superior 4 Person Ensuite

Loft Suite with Two Queen Rooms

Guest reviews of Drifter Christchurch

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Drifter Christchurch

Prices for upcoming dates

Business details

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22 $50	23 $60	24 $58
25 $54	26 $61	27 $61	28 $63	29 $61	30 $68	31 $82