Drifter Christchurch | 8.9 Rated * Central Hybrid Hotel

Key details

About the Hotel

96 Lichfield Street, Christchurch, 8011

Close to the city center

Perfect

9.0

/10

4.0

5.0

Loved by Drifter Christchurch guests

Excellent facilities

Comfortable beds

Daily cleaning

Kind staff

Great location

"I stayed at this hostel 1 night and then came back a 2nd night 10 days later."

Karen from United Kingdom

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"Each floor has some common rooms, such as a cinema, a library, terraces and a kitchen where guests can prepare their own food."

Kathy A from United States

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"It's a very short walk to the bus terminal so easy access when arriving from elsewhere and easy to get to the airport."

Penelope from Australia

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3-star accommodation in Christchurch designed for the free-spirited

Location

Drifter Christchurch provides convenient access to the city's vibrant arts scene and cultural landmarks. Situated near key attractions, guests can explore local galleries, shops, and culinary delights just steps away. The hotel caters to diverse travelers seeking unique experiences from one central spot.

Rooms

Drifter Christchurch offers a variety of accommodation options that cater to both solo travelers and groups. Guests can choose from shared suites that encourage social interaction or private rooms for more tranquility. Each room type is designed to enhance the travel experience, ensuring comfort and accessibility.

Amenities

The hotel presents inviting communal spaces where guests can relax and connect with fellow travelers. An on-site kitchen allows for meal preparation, adding convenience for those on a budget. Vibrant outdoor areas are ideal for socializing or unwinding after a day of exploring.

Group Travel

Drifter Christchurch specializes in accommodating group travelers, ensuring tailored experiences for sports teams, school groups, or friends. The hotel provides spaces suitable for gatherings and team activities. With dedicated coordination, every group visit is made enjoyable and seamless.

Local Experiences

Guests can easily access iconic destinations in Christchurch, making it a strategic base for exploration. The hotel's team offers curated advice and resources for discovering the best local activities and attractions. From art walks to culinary hotspots, the experience extends beyond the hotel.

Highlights

Location: Convenient access to the city's vibrant arts scene

Rooms: Shared suites and private rooms available

Amenities: Inviting communal spaces and on-site kitchen

Group Travel: Dedicated coordination for seamless group stays

Must-do experiences

Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens for stunning floral displays.
Try the local dish 'whitebait' at The Fish & Chip Shop on Victoria St.
Stroll through the Riverside Market for fresh produce and local crafts.
Explore the Quake City exhibit to learn about the 2011 earthquake.
Take a scenic ride on the Christchurch Gondola for breathtaking views.

Location: Perfect

9.6/10Review score

See hotel location on map

Guest Emotional Experience

Perfect for Finding FriendsSpace to connect

“Plenty of common space to chill and hang out which was really nice.”

Tham from Singapore

Shine on SocialsPhoto perfect

“This is the best hostel I have ever stayed in, its is so beautiful and aesthetically pleasing.”

Justine D

Explorers, Not TouristsExperience Christchurch

“We used the shared kitchen, stored our food in the large fridges, did a free yoga class, went on a free walking tour of central Christchurch and chilled in the lounge.”

Nickym

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.

Bunkhouse Superior
2 persons
130 sq. feet
4 Bunk beds
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Superior Twin Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Superior Queen Room Balcony
2 persons
175 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details

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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

Facilities: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Security
Lift
Vending machines
Fireplace
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Fitness club
Billiard tables
Yoga class

Services

Housekeeping
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Happy hour

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Board games
Game room

Spa & Leisure

Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Terrace
Garden furniture

Self-catering

Shared kitchen

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor
Curtains

Dining Onsite

At Drifter Christchurch, guests can indulge in the vibrant dining experience offered at Rambler, where modern elegance meets an approachable menu designed to complement any drink. With a welcoming ambiance, it's a perfect spot for meals throughout the day, from breakfast to dinner.

Rambler

Contemporary casual dining

Ambiance

Modern and inviting, perfect for gatherings or quiet meals

Key Offerings

A menu that pairs seamlessly with an extensive drink selection, ideal for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. The evening cocktail hour adds a social touch.

Reservation

Open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM

Drifter Christchurch Location

96 Lichfield Street, Christchurch, 8011

Map view

City landmarks

Museum

Canterbury Museum

4300 ft

Gallery

Christchurch Art Gallery

3600 ft

Square

New Regent Street

2200 ft

Museum

Quake City

3400 ft

Landmark

2011 quake memorials

2200 ft

Landmark

Victoria Square

3000 ft

Church

Christchurch Cathedral

3100 ft

Fountain

Peacock Fountain

4000 ft

Park

North Hagley Park

1.2 mi

Landmark

Christchurch Town Hall

3700 ft

Park

Hagley Park

1.1 mi

Landmark

Christ's College

4300 ft

Museum

CoCA - Centre of Contemporary Art

2400 ft

Casino

Christchurch Casino

4300 ft

Landmark

Tree Houses for Swamp Dwellers

2700 ft

Amusement Park

Margaret Mahy Family Playground

3000 ft

Nearby

Bridge

Bridge of Remembrance

1700 ft

Church

Cardboard Cathedral

1900 ft

Corner of Cashel and Madras Street

185 Empty White Chairs

1400 ft

Worcester Street Central City

Latimer Square

1500 ft

Oxford Terrace

Kate Sheppard Memorial

1700 ft

105 Cathedral Square

Godley Statue

1500 ft

68 Oxford Terrace Corner of Oxford Terrace and Montreal Street

Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial

2000 ft

Waterloo Place

Statue of Robert Falcon Scott

1900 ft

Cashel Street

1200 ft

Square

Cathedral Square

1400 ft

100 Cathedral Sqiuare Next To The Christchurch Cathedral

Chalice Sculpture

1500 ft

From Cathedral Square to Rolleston Avenue Central City

Worcester Boulevard

1600 ft

Church

St Michael And All Angels'

1700 ft

Restaurants

Bacon Bros Burgers

800 ft

181 High Street Little High Eatery

Smoke 'n' Barrel

800 ft

84 Falsgrave Street Inside Brew Academy

Coffee Smiths

800 ft

192 Cashel Street

Sal's Authentic New York Pizza

700 ft

86 Hereford Street Down Shands Lane

Muffin Break

700 ft

628-658 Colombo Street Bus Interchange

BASE Woodfired Pizza

1500 ft

181 High Street Little High Eatery

Hanoi Old Quarter

800 ft

617 Colombo Street Shop 5A

Roll & Bowl

900 ft

617 Colombo Street

Auntie Dai's Dumplings

1000 ft

628 - 658 Colombo Street Christchurch Bus Interchange

Caribe Latin Kitchen

1100 ft

255 St Asaph Street

Explore Christchurch

Local Highlights

Christchurch Art Gallery

14 minutes' walk

Regional art exhibitions in a modern space. Free admission and various guided tours offered.

Canterbury Museum

16 minutes' walk

Historical and cultural exhibits showcasing local heritage. Free entry on certain days.

New Regent Street

9 minutes' walk

Heritage shopping street with vibrant architecture. Unique boutiques and cafes line the street.

Quake City

13 minutes' walk

Experiential exhibit detailing the 2011 earthquake. Offers an in-depth understanding of the event.

Biking along the Avon River

15 minutes' drive

Scenic cycling path with bike rentals available. Perfect for leisurely travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Yoga at Hagley Park

25 minutes' walk

Outdoor yoga sessions in a picturesque park setting. Classes available throughout the week.

Margaret Mahy Family Playground

12 minutes' walk

Adventure playground suitable for families. Features various play areas and picnic spots.

Christchurch Casino

16 minutes' walk

Entertainment hub with gaming and live shows. Great for night out; check out weekly events.

Bacon Bros Burgers

3 minutes' walk

Casual eatery known for gourmet burgers. Ideal for a quick meal with hearty flavors.

Smoke 'n' Barrel

3 minutes' walk

American BBQ with a relaxed vibe. Signature smoked meats and craft beers available.

Sal's Authentic New York Pizza

3 minutes' walk

New York-style pizzeria with classic pies. Family-friendly with vegetarian options.

Coffee Smiths

3 minutes' walk

Charming coffee shop serving specialty brews. A cozy spot for a light breakfast or afternoon treat.

Christchurch Town Hall

14 minutes' walk

Live music and theater venue with a rich history. Diverse events scheduled throughout the year.

CoCA - Centre of Contemporary Art

10 minutes' walk

Dynamic art space featuring contemporary exhibitions. Frequent workshops and community events.

Bridge of Remembrance

7 minutes' walk

Historic war memorial offering a serene space. Ideal for a reflective stroll with family.

Peacock Fountain

15 minutes' walk

Iconic fountain in Victoria Square, great for photos. Lovely setting for relaxed gatherings.

Getting around

City Centre
Christchurch 4 min · 1000 ft
Airports
Christchurch (CHC) 17 min · 6.9 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-23:59

Check-out

until 10 am

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

237

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Drifter Christchurch is praised for its modern and clean aesthetic, often described as having a luxurious feel, offering an experience closer to a hotel than a typical hostel. Guests consistently highlight the spacious rooms and impressive range of facilities, including multiple lounge areas, a study room, and even a yoga room. Its central location near the bus interchange makes it convenient for exploring the city, though some guests have mentioned the kitchen can get crowded. Overall, guests appreciate the hotel's great value and central location.

Review score

Based on 2 verified reviews

7.7 /10

Very good

100%

Recommend

Location

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.3/10

Breakfast

7.4/10

Paid Wi-Fi

8.6/10

Pros

Central location

Good room size

Shared kitchen

Cons

Bathroom space

Unfriendly staff

Aiden from Australia

Single

Shared Suite 4 Bed

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 21, 2026

6/10

small room digital check-in

The location was acceptable. It was close to several shops.

i had issues with the digital check-in process. the app never worked, and i had to get a security code. the room was also quite small and lacked natural light because the bunks blocked the window. it was disappointing.

0 Helpful

Samantha from Australia

Single

Superior Queen

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 23, 2025

9.3/10

Modern stay with great amenities

modern decor spacious common area friendly staff cashless laundry

I enjoyed the modern decor. The common area was quite spacious with a well-stocked kitchen. I found the attached bar convenient, and the staff was genuinely friendly. The cashless laundry was a nice touch.

The check in process involved downloading an app, this was confusing. I had some trouble accessing the elevator initially, it took a few tries. The app worked as a digital room key .

Rooms

9/10

The room was quite large with sufficient space. I found the beds quite comfortable with soft bedding. Two pillows were provided. This added to my overall comfort. The room also included good blackout curtains.

Location

10/10

The location was very central and close to bus interchange. The bus interchange location made access to public transportation convenient. I found the surrounding area easy to navigate on foot. Many restaurants were within walking distance.

Facilities

9/10

The movie theatre was great. It was a cool space to relax. There was also a yoga studio on premises. This was great for workouts. I saw multiple hangout areas available to guests. The gym featured sufficient equipment.

0 Helpful

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Questions of the users

About Drifter Christchurch

Are the dormitory rooms co-ed or specifically for females?

12 November 2024

Both mixed dormitories and female-only dorms are available, and the designation will be clearly indicated during the booking process.

What's the cost to use the laundry facilities?

20 January 2025

Each wash or dry cycle is priced at $7, and payment can be made using any contactless method.

Is there a designated area for unloading luggage upon arrival?

15 February 2025

Yes, a loading zone on Lichfield Street is available for check-in and unloading your items. For parking, 'The Crossing' nearby offers secure 24/7 options for about $17 per day.

What are the nearby options for parking and their associated costs?

5 March 2025

There are several parking options close by, including 'The Crossing' parking building at approximately $17 per day and an open-air carpark next to the property with variable rates.

Is there an option for hairdryers in the rooms?

22 March 2025

Hairdryers are available at the property! They're provided in the King and Queen Suites upon arrival, while other room types can request one from reception.

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

10 April 2025

Check-in starts at 2 PM, and check-out is at 11 AM.

Can I store my bicycle safely while I stay here?

25 April 2025

Yes, a bicycle storage service is offered at $5 per day for guests. If bike storage is needed while you aren't checked in, the fee is $10 per day.

Is breakfast available and when does it start?

9 May 2025

Breakfast service begins at 7 AM at the Rambler café located on the ground floor. A range of options is available, including a booked breakfast that can be added to your reservation for $15 NZD per person per day.

What types of accommodations does Drifter offer?

18 June 2025

Drifter Christchurch provides a variety of room options, from shared dorms to private suites, catering to different styles of travel and guest preferences.

Is there a common area for guests to meet and relax?

30 July 2025

Yes, vibrant communal spaces are designed specifically for relaxation and connection, providing an ideal environment to unwind or meet other travelers.