7 Best Backpacker Hostels in Christchurch 🎒 [2024]

1. 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 dorms and private single, twin and double rooms with shared bathroom facilities.

Check Jailhouse Accommodation out:

• Jailhouse Accommodation on Booking.com
• Jailhouse Accommodation on HostelWorld
• Jailhouse Accommodation on Trip.com
• Jailhouse Accommodation on Expedia

© Jailhouse Accommodation

2. The Old Country House

A free spa pool, free sauna, free WiFi, free organic herbs and a lemon tree to season your meals and free love from the hostel dog, Max, what’s not to love about The Old Country House? The renovated heritage villa is as cosy as it gets with full insulation and European-style central heating (trust us, that’s a big deal in New Zealand). In between, there’s a room for everyone, including dorms, private single, double, triple and family rooms and some private rooms with an ensuite.

Check The Old Country House out:

• The Old Country House on Booking.com
• The Old Country House on HostelWorld
• The Old Country House on Trip.com
• The Old Country House on Expedia

© Old Country House

3. Around The World Backpackers

Free sewing kit?! I’m there! Ok, so the free sewing kit isn’t the main drawcard for this hostel. But there are heaps of other things for free, such as unlimited WiFi, computers, tea, coffee, herbs, earplugs, storage, use of hairdryers and straighteners, and so on. The welcoming and friendly Around the World Backpackers also has thoughtful touches like pouches next to dorm beds to keep important belongings nearby, while no dorm is larger than four beds. What’s more, the hostel is only a 10-minute walk from the city centre.

Check Around the World Backpackers out:

• Around the World Backpackers on Booking.com
• Around the World Backpackers on HostelWorld
• Around the World Backpackers on Trip.com
• Around the World Backpackers on Expedia

© Around The World Backpackers

4. 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 fellow backpackers at The Bealey Quarter. “The Lodge” part of the complex is the space for backpackers, complete with eight-bed mixed and female dorms and twin and double rooms with and without an ensuite. You also have easy access to a TV lounge, a laundry room with modern machines (finally!), shared bathrooms and a well-equipped kitchen. For more stays with self-catering facilities in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Christchurch.

Check The Bealey Quarter out:

• The Bealey Quarter on Booking.com
• The Bealey Quarter on HostelWorld
• The Bealey Quarter on Trip.com
• The Bealey Quarter on Expedia

© The Bealey Quarter

5. Jucy Snooze

The recently-built “flashpackers” is as modern as it gets, with machines to check you in, USB plugs around every corner, and an awesome common area with hammocks, bean bags and a swing on artificial grass, making you feel like you’re chilling in the great outdoors even if, in reality, you’re frantically scrolling through the 20 Things to Do in Christchurch on a Rainy Day. The “pod” dorm rooms of Jucy Snooze also give you that extra bit of privacy, while those seeking “real privacy” have plenty of private room options with an ensuite. Find this hostel near Christchurch Airport. For more cheap alternative stays, also check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Christchurch.

Check Jucy Snooze Christchurch out:

• Jucy Snooze Christchurch on Booking.com
• Jucy Snooze Christchurch on HostelWorld
• Jucy Snooze Christchurch on Trip.com
• Jucy Snooze Christchurch on Expedia

6. Urbanz

A super modern hostel just a stone’s throw from Cathedral Square, Urbanz is an excellent base for your time in Christchurch. With a huge variety of room types (including king-size dorm beds in some rooms), it suits most types of travellers on a budget. Enjoy the social vibe in the lounge bar with frequent events and drink/snack offers. Working holidaymakers can get advice on job hunting, as well as get long-term rates. Plus, there’s free parking nearby and free WiFi!

Check Urbanz out:

• Urbanz on Booking.com
• Urbanz on Trip.com
• Urbanz on Expedia

© Urbanz

7. Point Break Backpackers

For an alternative location in Christchurch, head to Point Break Backpackers in the suburb of New Brighton. The beachside suburb is famous for its surfing beach, as well as the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in New Brighton. The two to eight-bed dorms and private family rooms available are as basic as it gets (not ideal for the super fussy), which also applies to the cosy lounge, kitchen and laundry room. The best place to hang out, we find, is the cafe downstairs. The clientele of this hostel is a mix of international travellers and locals in long-term accommodation.

Check Point Break Backpackers out:

• Point Break Backpackers on Booking.com
• Point Break Backpackers on Trip.com
• Point Break Backpackers on Expedia

© Point Break Backpackers

[CLOSED] Canterbury House

Its garden, welcoming hosts and quiet atmosphere makes Canterbury House a much-loved hostel in Christchurch. Situated on the outskirts of the city centre, it’s not too far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

[CLOSED] Dorset House

A central location and a homely feel, Dorset House makes a good hostel for staying in when you are job searching in Christchurch. This backpacker accommodation is on a quiet street in a Victorian house.

[CLOSED] Haka Lodge Christchurch

This lodge looks like it could be easily nestled in the forest rather than Christchurch. The garden is full of native trees and the building is made from wood. Plus, Haka Lodge aims to green by recycling and using compost. For your comfort, there are no bunks and unlimited free WiFi! However, it is a 5-10min drive from the city centre but a bus stop is right outside.