The Best Hostels to Book in Christchurch

You can’t travel far in New Zealand without spotting a Jucy campervan. Now, the colourful company has also branched out into the hostel world, offering ensuite rooms and sleeping pods near Christchurch airport. Jucy Snooze is perfect for an early flight since it’s located just a 10-minute walk from the terminals. There’s a hammock-filled space with a kitchen, and their budget-friendly pods come with blinds, charging stations and lockers, providing more privacy than your average dorm.

All Stars Inn is a modern hostel built with socialising in mind, set 20 minutes from Christchurch central. There’s a kitchen that can seat up to 30 people, a TV lounge, a games room with a pool table, and a BBQ. Guests can also get deals and enjoy live entertainment at neighbouring Bealey Ale and Steak House, one of the South Island’s top restaurants. Stay in a private or shared room – there’s even a separate four-bed female-only dorm.

If you’re planning a longer stay in Christchurch, Kiwi House has weekly rates, and guests often stick around for a few months. That means there’s a university-halls feel with communal cooking facilities and regular BBQ parties. Take advantage of the supreme location, 15 minutes from Cathedral Square, and the free sauna on Thursday evenings. Kiwi House has bunk-bed dorms and private rooms, as well as bike rentals and a secure car park.

The heritage-listed Jailhouse hostel served as a prison until 1999 and has retained its distinctive, gothic-revival architecture. Set in the trendy suburb of Addington, it’s a pick-up point for the Kiwi Experience Bus and has speedy transport links to the airport and city centre. Choose from private or six- to ten-bed rooms, and relax in the award-winning hostel’s coffee bar and lounge, which comes with a pool table and dartboard.

You know what to expect with a YMCA hostel: clean, functional rooms and a handy location. YMCA Christchurch is no exception, set next to the Botanical Gardens, Canterbury Museum and Hagley Park, with free off-street parking. Although the YMCA has dorm rooms and a guest kitchen, it has more of a hotel feel, thanks to the health and fitness centre, restaurant, private rooms and apartments.

If you prefer the beach to the city, then book a stay at Point Break Backpackers. The ocean-side building sits near New Brighton Beach, so you can easily head out for a morning surf or afternoon sunbathe. Plus, Christchurch centre is just a 15-minute bus ride away. Point Break offers private and family rooms, as well as bright two- to eight-bed dorms, and has its own laid-back cafe where you can grab a bite to eat.

The Old Countryhouse is a one-of-a-kind hostel, created by travellers for travellers. Its country villas have been carefully renovated to honour their original character while adding contemporary comforts. This makes for a homely feel, with large wooden dining tables, wide verandas and a garden with a lemon tree and organic herbs. Guests can enjoy games nights and chill in the outdoor sauna-spa area. There’s even a resident dog, Max, to pet.

Around the World Backpackers is one of Christchurch’s best small hostels, boasting quiet four-bed dorms (one female only) and a double and a twin room, all with a shared bathroom. With its hammocks in the garden and a BBQ area, it’s great for travellers who want tranquillity. If you’re hanging out, watch some Netflix, check out the book exchange, or shoot some pool. Location-wise, you’re only 10 minutes from the city centre, and there’s off-street parking.

Bealey Avenue Motel is made up of individual units, giving it less of a hostel feel – ideal if you’re after some privacy or travelling in a group. The chic motel sits on Bealey Avenue, a 5-minute drive to Christchurch’s main square. Each unit has its own kitchen, Sky TV, living area and bathroom. The fancier deluxe studios even come with spa baths and private courtyards.

This American-style motel is in a fantastic location, right next to Hagley Park where you can walk or go punting when you want a break from sightseeing. There’s a choice of private units, including a family, twin or triple studio, and all are self-catering and have ensuite bathrooms and large TVs. It’s a short stroll to Canterbury Museum, and the motel has plenty of free parking if you have your own rental car.