12 Best Budget Accommodations in Christchurch 🛌🏼 [2023]

Where to Find Cheap Accommodation in Christchurch

Save money on your trip to Christchurch with these cheap accommodations in Christchurch. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple or a group of friends, this list will have at least one budget accommodation in Christchurch for you. We’re talking holiday parks, motels, apartments and hotels all under that NZ$140 price tag for your own private room in Christchurch. If you’re looking for something cheaper, consider checking out the 7 Best Backpacker Hostels in Christchurch instead.

These are the Christchurch budget accommodations that we consider some of the best offerings in the South Island city. This is based on inclusions such as WiFi, parking, kitchen facilities or something a little extra. Of course, price is a huge factor too, as is the location. We try to feature locations from all over the city to suit most travellers’ needs.

To accompany your budget stay in Christchurch, why not try these 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Christchurch?

1. The Bealey Quarter

A great base for Christchurch city is this ultra-modern purpose-built accommodation and dining complex on Bealey Avenue. With an open courtyard kitted out with hammocks and right next door to The Bealey Ale and Steak House, there are plenty of places to relax with your group to meet like-minded travellers at The Bealey Quarter. “The Lodge” part of the complex is the space for backpackers, complete with dorms and twin and double rooms with and without an ensuite. Alternatively, upgrade to a more spacious studio for a more hotel-like stay. You also have easy access to a TV lounge, a laundry room with modern machines, shared bathrooms and a well-equipped kitchen.

Check The Bealey Quarter out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in Christchurch

2. Southwark Hotel & Apartments

We wished we lived here. Not only are the Southwark Hotel & Apartments within walking distance of the city centre, but the studios or apartments also have everything you need for a self-contained stay in Christchurch; a kitchen, TV, lounge, free WiFi and more are included. There are rooms for couples up to groups of four. For more accommodations with cooking facilities, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Christchurch.

Check Southwark Hotel & Apartments out:

3. BreakFree on Cashel

Super central location? Check! Affordable private rooms? Check! Sleek and modern rooms with a private bathroom? Check check check! That’s why BreakFree on Cashel makes it to the top of the list for those travellers, perhaps without a car or who want a classy but affordable place to stay in the heart of Christchurch. There is a huge range of double rooms varying in bed size, plus family rooms. WiFi is free but parking is an additional charge. For alternative hotels, be sure to also check out the 20 Best Hotels in Christchurch.

Check BreakFree on Cashel out:

4. Tasman Holiday Parks – Christchurch

One of the best-rated holiday parks in Christchurch, Tasman Holiday Parks – Christchurch is well worth checking for availability. With a swimming pool, an epic children’s playground, a games room, pool tables and more, it’s an obvious choice for an inexpensive family getaway, while adult groups will enjoy the heated spa pool, liquor sales, bike storage and repair stations and very affordable cabins and motel. Find this cheap accommodation in the Papanui suburb north of the city centre. For more family-friendly stays, check out the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Christchurch.

Check Tasman Holiday Parks – Christchurch out:

5. Hotel Give

With the Christchurch Botanic Gardens right on its doorstep, you can hardly get more central than Hotel Give. This modernly refurbished hotel run by the YMCA not only enables you to save money while staying in Christchurch but supports the community work of the organisation. Choose from self-contained apartments, ensuite rooms, classic single and double rooms with shared bathrooms and dorm rooms. You’ll also find four lounge spaces and two fully equipped kitchens, while the hotel also shares a site with a cafe and fitness centre.

Check Hotel Give out:

6. Sherwood Lodge

Located in the gorgeous bush-clad setting of the Cashmere Hills, Sherwood Lodge is far enough away from the city for the holiday feels yet close enough for convenience; a quick bus trip to drive should do it. Wake up to the sound of the native birds in one of the three queen rooms or the private self-contained three-bedroom suite, all with a marvellous breakfast included. With a communal kitchen, bathroom and lounge (or your own if you’re staying in the suite), all of the essentials are here; the gorgeous garden setting and facilities like a TV with streaming services and board games and the walking tracks nearby are just a bonus. For more stays ideal for couples, just head to the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Christchurch.

Check Sherwood Lodge out:

Sherwood Lodge on Booking.com

7. Sandy Feet Accommodation

Base yourself in the beach suburb of New Brighton and get that local experience. Sandy Feet Accommodation offers twin, double, triple and quadruple rooms at an extremely affordable price with either a patio, garden or balcony view. Free parking and free WiFi are available too, while there are tea/coffee making facilities in each room, as well as a communal kitchen to enjoy a cheap self-catering stay.

Check Sandy Feet Accommodation out:

12 Best Budget Accommodations in Christchurch 🛌🏼 [2023]

7. Jailhouse Accommodation

A converted prison makes Jailhouse Accommodation one of the most unique hostels in the Southern Hemisphere! It is a tourist attraction and backpacker hostel mixed into one with historical display rooms where you can pretend you are an inmate with photo booth props. As for rooms, choose from cheap dorms and private single, twin and double rooms with shared bathroom facilities. For more hostels to choose from, head to the 7 Best Backpacker Hostels in Christchurch.

Check Jailhouse Accommodation out:

9. North South Holiday Park

Right on the edge of the city and only 5 minutes drive away from the airport, North South Holiday Park is well worth considering for your stay in Christchurch on a budget. There is a huge range of cabins, studios and cottages available for solo travellers to families. Enjoy modern facilities, either a private kitchen or communal kitchens and have a dip in the pool! With its family-friendly facilities, like a children’s playground, you’ll also find this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Christchurch.

Check North South Holiday Park out:

10. South Brighton Holiday Park

Stay in the popular beach suburb of New Brighton. South Brighton Holiday Park offers super cheap double and twin rooms and family studios, should you be looking for a private room in the area. Otherwise, there are camping sites, making this one of the places Where to Camp in Christchurch. Enjoy proximity to amazing coastal views and walks. Note that kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities are all shared.

Check South Brighton Holiday Park out:

11. 53 Southern Comfort Motel

Situated on the popular Bealey Avenue, 53 Southern Comfort Motel is ideal for travellers with a car thanks to free parking and a close drive to the city centre and the airport. They offer studios and apartments so you can have your own space for you and your group to relax and prepare your own meals. What’s more, did we mention the spa pool? For more motels to consider, just head to the 20 Best Motels in Christchurch.

Check 53 Southern Comfort Motel out:

12. 136 On Bealey Motel

Finally on our list of best budget accommodations in Christchurch, 136 on Bealey Motel is at the higher price point of affordable accommodation for a touch of luxury. The spacious studios and suites are ideal for travelling couples and families who want to treat themselves. Spacious rooms, private patio, kitchen facilities (what’s included varies with each room), free parking and free WiFi, who’s complaining?

Check 136 on Bealey Motel out:

[CLOSED] New City Hotel

Half hotel, half hostel, New City Hotel provides some of the cheapest private rooms in Christchurch. Plus, the hotel is well within walking distance of the city centre. Whether you’re a solo traveller, couple or a few friends, there is a super affordable room for you here with en-suite bathrooms and fridge. There are shared kitchen and laundry facilities should you want to save some money on food and cook for yourself. Get some inspiration for quick, easy and cheap meals to make here. WiFi is also included.

[CLOSED] Airport Silver Fern Accommodation

After or before a long flight, stay at the Airport Silver Fern Accommodation. This homely accommodation provides private single, double and triple rooms for travellers. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and airport shuttle pick-up and drop-off.

[CLOSED] 219 on Johns Motel & Holiday Park

If you have your own transport and prefer to stay out of town, then consider 219 on Johns Motel & Holiday Park. Johns Motel is right next to the Willowbank Reserve for seeing native wildlife. Plus, free parking, private double rooms, chalets and studios are available. Some rooms have a private kitchen and lounge facilities, or you will need to make use of the communal kitchen and other facilities.

More About Budget Accommodations in Christchurch

That’s it for our list of the best budget accommodations in Christchurch, but it’s by no means the end of our travel tips! Get more stellar travel advice from the following guides:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Travel Guide to Christchurch on a Budget.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

Contact Laura via our contact page