No doubt you’re heading to the South Island of New Zealand if you’ve landed here. Welcome to our guide to the best hostels in Christchurch!
Though the largest city on the island, it’s not too overwhelming and offers lots of green spaces.
Backpacking Christchurch? This hostel collection includes privacy pods, garden areas and great private rooms.
Your shortcut:
- Jailhouse Accommodation – great for solo travelers
- All Stars Inn on Bealey – ideal for couples
- JUCY Snooze Christchurch – top pick for female solo travelers
Any questions about hostels in Christchurch?
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Looking for cool things to do in Christchurch? Skip to our handy map for ideas.
There is also a great backpackers Christchurch NZ included. Keep scrolling and let us show you.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when …
- tired of bad and crappy hostels
- want to avoid the “young party kids”
- happy to spend 1-2€ for a better experience
Sorry peeps; there is no 5 star hostel in Christchurch.
We love New Zealand. Have a look at our complete guide to the best hostels in New Zealand here.
What we cover in this article?
- Introduction
- 3 best hostels in detail
- cheapest hostels in Christchurch
- best hostels in Christchurch for solo travellers
- more hostels worth a mention
- discounts and promo codes
- How to book?
- all hostel and sights on a map
- Flights
- FAQ
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Christchurch
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Christchurch cost 13€ – 22€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 35€ up to 75€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Best Party Hostels in Christchurch: This is not your typical party destination in New Zealand. Your best option is to check out All Stars Inn on Bealey – it has an ale house next door and is close to popular Victoria Street.
Metro Card – worth it? If you’re only in Christchurch for a few days, we say it’s not. It costs $10 to buy the card plus a $10 minimum top up, saving you $1.50 each ride. If you pay the standard $4,20 in cash, you are allowed ONE free transfer within 2 hours.
However if you do decide to get a metrocard, there is a $5 cap per day. This means once your reached $5, every ride after that is free.
More information can be found on the Metro Website.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Christchurch New Zealand
Let’s jump right into the boutique hostels and the best Christchurch accommodation.
We put all three accommodation on the map, you will find the map at the end of the article.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Jailhouse Accommodation |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | JUCY Snooze Christchurch |
| 🎒 For Backpackers: | All Stars Inn On Bealey |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | All Stars Inn On Bealey |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Jailhouse Accommodation |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Jailhouse Accommodation |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | JUCY Snooze Christchurch |
1. Jailhouse Accommodation
Alright folks, how do you like the sound of sleeping in a renovated heritage jailhouse for a budget price?
Jailhouse Accommodation is exactly what the name suggests. Stay somewhere different!
Addington Prison was active from 1874 to 1999, and transformed in to a hostel in 2006.
Since then, it has been voted Top Backpackers Hostel in Oceania and has become a must-stay place amongst travellers.
Here are a few reasons why we think this is the case:
- Unlimited ultrafast free Wifi
- Cinema room w/ Netflix
- Commercial guest kitchen
- Pool table
- Bicycle hire
This is without doubt the best hostel in Christchurch NZ.
Of course just hanging around the building is pretty cool – there’s no disagreeing that this was once a prison.
Kick start the day with a freshly made organic, fair-trade espresso from the coffee bar.
As for the rooms options, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
There are not only female dorms, but male dorms as well.
Other choices include a 6 and 10-bed mixed dorm, private single, twin and double rooms.
Shared bathrooms really keep the vibe of a prison, as well as the layout of the building with its long corridors and simple decor.
Note: larger rooms can be booked by families and groups. Get in touch in advance about this.
Make sure you speak with helpful staff if you want to book activities and excursions. They know their stuff. Also, whilst this isn’t exactly a working hostel Christchurch, staff can help you if you’re looking for work.
Location: It’s just a 15 minute walk to the centre from here. The Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum and botanic gardens are a 20-minute walk.
Jailhouse Hostel Christchurch New Zealand is one of the best hostels in Christchurch for
- Solo travellers
- Families
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
2. All Stars Inn On Bealey
Next up is All Stars Inn On Bealey; a purpose built complex…
“…with your comfort and enjoyment in mind.”
Well, you wouldn’t expect anything less from a Hostelgeeks recommendation, right?
This hostel focuses on private rooms, with a whopping 40 to choose from. That’s why we think couples will like it here.
These private options are more like a hotel. Each one has a 32 inch TV, fridge, tea/coffee facilities and plenty of power points. Perfect if you need some alone time.
Here is an overview of room choices:
- Twin room w/ bathroom
- Double room (shared/private bathroom)
- Triple room w/ bathroom
- 4, 6 and 8-bed mixed dorms
- 4 and 8-bed female dorms
No matter which you opt for, you’ll have tons of space to stretch out in.
Good to know: large groups including schools, colleges and sporting groups are easily accommodated here.
What’s great is that this place has disabled access rooms and free parking on the premises.
Right next door is Speight’s Ale House. Guests get amazing deals on food and drinks.
If you prefer to cook, there is a huge kitchen that can seat 30 people at one time. There’s also an outdoor BBQ area.
Location: Surrounded by trees and green grass, just 9km from Christchurch International Airport. Victoria Street is also just over 1km away.
All Stars Christchurch is one of the best hostels in Christchurch for
- Couples
- Groups
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
3. JUCY Snooze Christchurch
Base yourself at JUCY Snooze Christchurch and enjoy luxury privacy pods you’ll want to tell the world about.
Seriously, they have everything needed and are the main reason you should stay here.
Let’s have a closer look. Each pod includes:
- Privacy light & blind
- Temperature control
- Charging port
- Luggage locker
- Wifi connection
It’s a self-contained mini room all for yourself. There are eight pods per room so socialising is still an option.
But only if you feel like it!
Psst: there is a 8-bed female only pod room, too.
Yet the pods dorms aren’t the only option here, dear reader.
Couples will enjoy the queen room with private bathroom, and friends can book a twin with ensuite. Heck, solo travellers can also treat themselves to a single room.
Enjoy the adjoining social areas including seating, hammocks and a fully-equipped kitchen.
Other perks include a 24-hour reception and FREE airport shuttle between 08:00 and 01:00.
Location: An easy 15-minute walk from the airport and a 15-minute drive to the centre of Christchurch. North Hagley Park is nearby and a lovely place to wander. It’s the top Christchurch airport hostel available.
This is one of the best hostels in Christchurch for
- Female solo travellers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What about Cheapest Hostels in Christchurch?
Heading to Christchurch on a budget? Of course, there are always cheap hostels and cheap accommodation in Christchurch. Forget Christchurch hotels!
We think, it’s not worth it to go with the cheapest hostel out there.
Why?
The difference is usually 1-2€ ($1-2) per night, and a lot of amenities are not included. This can be breakfast or linen.
However, if you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find the cheap accommodation Christchurch.
- Open Hostelworld with full list of budget places to stay in Christchurch
- Order the listing by price
Simple as that.
Read: 15 hacks for booking hostels
Make sure you use then the other filters and rank per price.
Also keep a close eye on the ratings, especially the “extreme ratings”. Meaning, the best and worst. These ratings can give great insight on what to expect.
One cheap option you might want to have a look at is Point Break Backpackers. They offer simple, affordable dorms and a cosy shared living room to hang out in.
Curious about a hotel? BreakFree on Cashel is a popular option in the city.
Best Hostels in Christchurch for Solo Travellers?
What is seriously the best hostel in Christchurch for solo-travellers?
Of course we will have to go with our #1 hostel in this guide: Jailhouse Accommodation.
It’s a unique building, that’s set in central Christchurch, and offers social areas with games.
There are both male-only and female-only rooms, plus a decent sized mixed dorm.
It’s ideal for every type of solo traveller!
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
More Hostels Worth a Mention
Here are a few more hostels Christchurch has to offer in case our top 3 do not suit you.
Rucksacker Backpacker Hostel
Another hostel for budget travellers is Rucksackerin that is located in Christchurch City.
Meet and have fun with other travellers in their sunny private garden and BBQ area.
All dorm rooms have lockers for your security. You can choose from dorm rooms, double room, and twin room.
The staff are really cool, and they are always there if you need anything or if you want some information on the city.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Urbanz Christchurch
This one is for small families looking to save money on a basic stay.
It’s lovely and central so getting around on foot is easy. For example, Christchurch Transitional Cathedral (made completely of cardboard) is just 10-minutes away.
The family rooms come with an ensuite, TV and bed linen.
Free events such as film nights are great for the kids – chips and popcorn are included!
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
CLOSED: YHA Christchurch Backpackers
This youth hostel in central Christchurch is ideal for backpackers and budget travellers. It’s a backpackers in Christchurch not to be missed if you’re a young traveller.
Save money, thanks to the close proximity to top sights, and enjoy home cooked meals with use of a fully-equipped kitchen.
There’s also two communal lounges, a garden and BBQ area. The Wifi is fast and reliable enough to get work done if needed, too.
Dorset House Backpackers Christchurch
Looking for cool backpacker hostels? Here we have a boutique backpackers set within a historic 1871 home.
There is a mix of dorm and private rooms here.
And guess what? No bunk beds in some of the smaller dorms, woo!
What was once the house’s ballroom is now a cosy guest lounge. There is also a kitchen and laundry facilities available.
It’s a great example of a backpackers Christchurch New Zealand has to offer.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Around the World Backpackers
Another homely hostel is on the cards! Around the World Backpackers is just a 10-minute walk from the city center with easy access to all of the top sights.
Book a stay here if you appreciate a peaceful atmosphere which includes a lovely garden… with hammocks!
The Wifi is great if you have work to do, and the dorms come with 4-beds so you’re sure to get a good night’s sleep. Each bunk has a charging station, bedlight and handy pouch to keep your valuables safe.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
CLOSED: Haka Lodge Christchurch
Looking to book a stay at Haka Lodge Christchurch? Unfortunately, it has closed.
However! If you’re backpacking New Zealand, we highly recommend having a look at the best hostels in Auckland.
Here we have included Haka Lodge Auckland. It is in fact our #1 hostel in this destination.
PLUS: Queenstown also boasts a Haka Lodge. Check out the best hostels in Queenstown here.
How to book?
We recommend using Booking.com or Hostelworld for your reservations.
Hostelworld is the most popular website when it comes to hostel bookings.
Read: step-by-step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
On both platforms your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included the handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Here is the overview:
- Jailhouse Accommodation Christchurch: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- All Stars Inn On Bealey: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- JUCY Snooze Christchurch: Booking.com | Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible!
All of Christchurch best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish hostels, secure your room or bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
Any Discounts?
Currently, we have no special hostel discounts in Christchurch. I know, it’s a pity. You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive our newest hostel discounts always to your inbox.
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here.
Alternatively, you may consider using Airbnb Christchurch. Here is our full review of Airbnb + discount coupon.
Our Favorite Hostels in Christchurch put on a map + sights
Let us have a look on the map. Below we list all three best Christchurch hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know in this list:
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens
- Canterbury Museum
- International Antarctic Centre
- Punting On The Avon
- Christchurch Transitional Cathedral
- Christchurch Gondola
Looking for some yummy food? We stopped by Zen Sushi & Dumplings and had the BEST dumplings of our lives! (Added to the map)
If this is your first stop in New Zealand and you’re searching for backpackers cars Christchurch, check out bpccars.co.nz for affordable second-hand cars.
Any questions about hostels in Christchurch? 🤔
Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Christchurch?
Christchurch International Airport is around a 20-minute drive (11km) from the city center.
There are local and international flights to many places, which make this a useful airport to fly in and out of.
Of course there are many shuttles running to/fro the city. Don’t worry too much about booking in advance – just buy a ticket once you’re through customs so that you needn’t worry about time. There are always shuttles!
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
FAQ
Which hostels in Christchurch NZ allow late check in?
JUCY Snooze Christchurch has a reception that is open 24 hours a day. They also offer a FREE airport shuttle between 08:00am and 01:00am.01:00am.
It is only a 15-minute walk to the hostel from the airport, in case you arrive outside of these hours.
What are generally preferred suburbs in Christchurch?
As a traveller, we recommend either staying right in Christchurch city centre close to the Botanic Gardens, or a little further out nearby the airport. All of the hostels in this list offer great locations nearby top sights and places of interest.
Where is Christchurch located?
Christchurch is on the East Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It's around 450km south of Wellington and around 550km north of Invercargill.
More Guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Christchurch.
Remember: there are 32 great hostels in New Zealand to check out.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations in Oceania:
- best hostels in Auckland
- best hostels in Queenstown + Queenstown Budget Travel Guide
- best hostels in Nelson
- best hostels in Taupo
- best hostels in Wanaka
- best hostels in Paihia
- best hostels in Napier
- best hostels in Wellington
- 34 best hostels in Australia
- Best hostels in Fiji
You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.
Over to you
So there you have it; a collection of the best Christchurch hostels on offer. Which hostel Christchurch have you chosen?
Was this useful? Do you have any questions, doubts?
Then please please leave us a comment. This list of awesome Christchurch hostels should be as informative and useful as possible.
Your question will help me to understand what I have missed to mention.
Therefore, drop us a comment, we are keen to help you!
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter and find the best place on a budget! We ONLY recommend places we know you will enjoy, no matter what.
At Hostelgeeks we will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. Our promise is to only share with you places we also recommend to our best friends and family!
Enjoy this fine hostel selection and all 5 Star Hostels.
Have fun and safe travels!
– – –
pin it for later
CLOSED: The Old Countryhouse Christchurch
Let’s get straight to it and have a look at The Old Countryhouse highlights, shall we?
- Lightning fast ultra fibre Wifi
- Spa & sauna surrounded by gardens
- Several cosy lounges to hang out in
This hostel is a home-away-from-home. From the building itself and cosy design, to the family dog and small, intimate dorm rooms.
There’s a great fish and chip shop just around the corner, and the city centre is an easy 20 minute stroll along the Avon River.
