Christchurch teems with English heritage, from its stone buildings and churches to its double-decker buses and drinking scene. There’s bars galore here, great eats to be eaten, and some very cool boutique shops to explore. It’s a creative city that’s rebuilt itself (literally) after two devastating earthquakes in 2010 and ’11.
There’s some great natural spots to visit in the surrounding area too. But basing yourself in Christchurch… It’s a city, right? So surely it’s super expensive to stay even a few days here?
Nope! That’s where you’d be wrong. And to prove it I’ve found the best hostels in Christchurch that you can easily afford on a backpacker budget. AND I’ve put them into handy categories for you, too!
So let’s have a look and see what this cool city has to offer for you…
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Christchurch
- Best Overall Hostel in Christchurch – Drifter Hostel
- Best Hostel in Christchurch for Solo Travellers – The Bealey Quarter
- Best Cheap Hostel in Christchurch – Haka House
- Best Party Hostel in Christchurch – Urbanz Christchurch
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Christchurch – Jailhouse Accommodation
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
The 5 Best Hostels in Christchurch
1. Drifter Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Christchurch
- Dorm (mixed): From $26
- Private Room: From $112
- Address: 96 Lichfield Street, Christchurch, New Zealand
The perfect retreat for anyone backpacking New Zealand, this is hands down the best hostel for in Christchurch. Nestled in the centre of town you’re in the thick of the action and within walking distance from everything you could need.
You won’t be short of things to do with fun social activities put on by the hostel, a pool table or workout room. It’s relaxed and social, which makes for a chilled atmosphere and great for meeting fellow backpackers. Oh, and as a bonus, the beds are super comfy.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Pool table
- Co-working space
- Spacious, comfy dorms.
Whether you want to share a dorm with other travellers or a room with your partner, Drifter offers the best rooms at the best rates. As an award-winning hostel, I can safely say it’s one of the best hostels in New Zealand. You can be sure that you’ll get proper value for your money. The only downside is that the shared kitchen is a little small for the size of the hostel but it means you can get cosy whilst cooking dinner.
2. The Bealey Quarter – Best Hostel in Christchurch for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $35
- Private Room: From $88
- Address: 263 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand
Modern design, plenty of different room options and with some of the kindest staff that you’ll ever meet, The Bealey Quarter is the best hostel in Christchurch for solo travellers. There’s plenty of space in the common areas so you can meet likeminded travellers, or you could whip up a tasty meal in the massive and fully equipped kitchen.
If you want to travel around New Zealand or Christchurch, just head down to the reception and ask for advice – the staff knows about the best things to do in New Zealand.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Deals on food and drinks
- Massive lockers
- Travel Desk
You can find a great travel desk at The Bearley Quarter reception. Whether you want to explore all of Christchurch’s highlights, find the hidden gems or simply join a guided tour around the city, you can find the best help and deals right here.
On top of that, you can keep all of your stuff clean thanks to the massive laundry room. For just a tiny bit of money, you can refresh your whole wardrobe while relaxing in the comfy common room. Speaking of, if you’re a digital nomad, you’ll love this place too!
Grab your laptop and chill in one of the comfy common area sofas or sit on one of the work desks for a better posture. Even the private rooms and dorms have a desk each – perfect for doing some work or reaching out to friends at home while travelling!
3. Haka House – Best Cheap Hostel in Christchurch
- Dorm (mixed): From $31
- Private Room: From $58
- Address: 36 Hereford Street, Christchurch, New Zealand
Located in a quiet suburb of Christchurch, and surrounded by a load of tasty cafes and shops, this top hostel in Christchurch means soaking up a different, less city-based side to Christchurch. BUT of course, it’s still easy to jump on the bus to town if you want.
The private rooms here… well, they’re like hotel quality without the price tag. Big windows that look out onto the garden, tasteful decor, very clean – just sound perfect really. The dorm beds are super comfy plus, come with a privacy curtain, charging port and shared bathroom. For the price, you can’t go wrong.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Budget friendly prices
- Friendly staff
- Comfy room
They have a shared kitchen which is ideal for keeping your costs down and whipping up some meals at home. Though it is not a party place, so keep that in mind if you’re looking to get smashed every night. It has a chilled, relaxed vibe ideal for meeting fellow travellers in the big shared spaces or having some time to yourself and recharge your social batteries. It’s the ideal hostel to perch up for your South Island road trip.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Urbanz Christchurch – Best Party Hostel in Christchurch
- Dorm (mixed): From $25
- Private Room: From $58
- Address: 273 Manchester Street, Christchurch, New Zealand
Smack bang in the centre of Christchurch, in a newly renovated building, staying here naturally means being close to the city sights AND the best bars and restaurants in town.
It’s not only the nearby drinking options that make this the best party hostel in Christchurch. No siree. You can also grab a few beers at the hostel bar, featuring cheap drink deals (win), and sit around the fireplace or play some pool. It’s not mental party-party, but it IS fun.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- On-site bar
- Free events
- Laundry facilities
On top of that, you’ll probably get the best amenities in Christchurch – a pool table, free events, movie night with popcorn and so much more. It’s a great deal, even if you’re not interested in partying. For those big groups travelling together, there are even family sized rooms with a TV and ensuite bathroom available.
From large dorms to fancy private rooms, there are loads of room options you can choose from. All rooms offer super comfy mattresses, plenty of plug options, a private USB port and reading light and a secure locker. Bedding is also included in the nightly price, so no need to bring your sleeping bag.
If you’re wondering when’s the best time to visit New Zealand, summertime in Christchurch is like no other. This hostel is ideal to meet other travellers, make new friends and form connections with people from all over the world.
5. Jailhouse Accommodation – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Christchurch
- Dorm (mixed): From $26
- Private Room: From $52
- Address: 338 Lincoln Rd, Addington, Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
It might be a bit of a quirky place (I mean, imagine staying inside an actual cell), but I think this is the best hostel for digital nomads in Christchurch. There’s plenty of room to get your head down with some work and rooms are quiet and well looked after.
Surprisingly nice, this recommended hostel in Christchurch is a bit design-y – and I like that. Nomads on the road long term will appreciate how nice it is. 20 mins to the Art District, meaning you can get out and about, dipping into cool cafes and stuff.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great co-working spaces
- Pool table
- Cinema room
If you need to get some work done whilst you’re travelling, Jailhouse has some ideal workspaces for perching up and earning that internet dolla’. Overall Jail House has done an excellent job at creating a fun social vibe with a pool table and common room without it being a party hostel so no need to worry about crazy pub crawls till 5 am.
The rooms are pretty basic compared to some of the other hostels but they have everything you need for a comfortable stay. You’ve got the choice of private rooms, twin rooms or dorm rooms, all with extremely comfy beds. Overall this hostel is one of the best places for digital nomads in Christchurch and solo travellers.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Hostels in Christchurch
Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you. To make your search for where to stay in Christchurch a bit easier, I’ve listed more epic hostels in Christchurch below.
Around The World Backpackers
- Dorm (mixed): From $38
- Private Room: From $81
- Address: 314 Barbadoes Street, Christchurch, New Zealand
Small but cute, this Christchurch backpackers hostel is close to the centre of the city without being in the middle of all the madness. This hostel seems to have worked hard in order to give guests pretty much everything they could possibly need.
It’s got USB plugs, friendly staff – even a herb garden (not that sort) to spice up your spag bol cooked in the communal kitchen. The interiors of this recommended hostel in Christchurch might be a little basic but it more than definitely does the job as a place to stay for a few nights. Garden area is decent, too.
LyLo Christchurch
- Dorm (mixed): From $32
- Private Room: From $100
- Address: 5 Peter Leeming Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch, New Zealand
Okay, Lylo Hostel is setting the bar HIGH! This snazzy hostel is a 10-minute walk from Christchurch airport and a short drive from the city centre. They have heaps of ways to meet new travellers from chilling in the common rooms, shooting some pool, playing volleyball or catching some rays in the garden outside.
Enjoy some swanky private rooms or a super comfy private pod in the dorm rooms. Don’t worry about your belongings going missing as Lylo has you covered with lockable storage units. And, good news budget backpackers, there is a shared kitchen, ideal for saving a few bucks as eating out in New Zealand can get expensive.
Hotel Give
- Dorm (mixed): From $33
- Private Room: From $60
- Address: 12 Hereford Street Christchurch 8011, P O Box 2004 Christchurch 8140, Christchurch, New Zealand
This is a small local hostel and, whilst not the most modern place in town has everything you need, it is a friendly, typically backpacker-y hostel. Whether you’re looking for a self-contained apartment, swanky private room or a dorm bed like the rest of us peasants.
There’s a lil’ common here where you can chill and meet other travellers. It’s also within walking distance to the city centre. Definitely a good Christchurch backpackers hostel for a couple of nights’ stay, anyway.
The Old Country House
As the name suggests, this place is a comfy and cosy lil’ place for you to base yourself in Christchurch. It’s set in a colonial style villa, so there’s that, which is pretty cool.
On top of that, the social atmosphere is buzzing. It’s not a big hostel, it only accommodates a smaller crowd, however, this really creates a unique and welcoming vibe. Travellers know and look after each other, the staff knows you by your name and you’ll literally get pulled into socializing – perfect if you’re a bit of a shy backpacker!
Foley Towers
Nope, not Fawlty Towers – FOLEY Towers. This place is friendly and fun, a cool hostel in Christchurch for backpackers who wanna spend some time chilling out. You ain’t gonna find any big parties here, nor bar crawls or anything like that…
… But it does have a cute garden where you can mingle with other guests. Which is nice. The staff seem to actually care about you, which is nice, and the underfloor heating… dang, that stuff makes this place COSY in the winter! Definitely a top budget hostel in Christchurch.
When it comes to design, yeah, it might be a bit old-fashioned, but it just adds to the unique charm of the hostel. Meeting other travellers and making new friends is a no-brainer here. Everyone is friendly, genuine and caring, which is what makes FOLEY Towers so special. It’s a calm and laid-back place, and if you’re looking for that kind of atmosphere, you’ll absolutely love it!
Canterbury House
Staying at Canterbury House is literally like staying in someone’s house – basically more like a B&B. But it’s still got a decidedly traveller-y hostel vibe. It’s also set in a local area which is a safe and chilled, but also a little out of town, so keep that in mind.
It’s not a greatly social hostel, but it’s a warm, cosy place to stay. The couple who own this Christchurch backpackers hostel are super good at giving out tips for what to do in the area and for onward travel, too, which makes all the difference.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Christchurch
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQ about Hostels in Christchurch
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Christchurch.
What to Pack for your Christchurch Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Christchurch?
This all depends on if you’re booking a bed in a shared dorm or a private room. Generally speaking, a bed in a shared dorm will cost you between $16 to $18 per night, while a private bedroom will set you back around $42 to $47
What are the best hostels in Christchurch for couples?
Haka House Christchurch is an ideal hostel for couples in Christchurch. It’s clean and in a good location near the botanical gardens.
What is the best hostel in Christchurch near the airport?
The Bealey Quarter is a great pick if you’re looking to stay near the airport. You won’t be disappointed!
Final Thoughts on Christchurch’s Hostels
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Christchurch has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure.
If you’re still unsure of where to perch up in the gem of a city, ill recap my top picks for ya!
Drifter Hostel is the overall best hostel in Christchurch, not only is it super boujee without the price tag but you’re in a bangin’ location.
If you want to let loose Urbanz Christchurch is the best party hostel, enjoy a few beers at the on-site bar and a few games of pool before heading out to some bars.
Now it’s over to you to make some memories, do fun shit and have a blast, enjoy Amigo.
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in New Zealand for a wealth of info!
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in New Zealand if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Christchurch before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Oceania backpacking guide.
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