Drifter Christchurch

Hotels
9.1 (2827 reviews)
96 Lichfield Street , Christchurch , NZ

listing image 1
Show all photos
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Heating
Terrace
Family rooms
Lift / Elevator
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Clean and comfortable rooms
Great location in city center
Friendly and helpful staff
Cons:
Small kitchen area
Lack of personal space in shared rooms

Categories

Cleanliness
8.79
Generally clean as mentioned in multiple reviews, but minor complaints about shared kitchen cleanliness.
Service
9.26
Friendly and helpful staff were highlighted positively in several reviews.
Location
9.8
Ideal location in the city center, very convenient for accessing amenities.
Room Quality
9.25
Rooms are clean and comfortable, though some noted a lack of personal space in shared situations.
Amenities
8.78
Amenities are good with shared spaces, but the kitchen is considered small for the number of guests.
Value for Money
9.24
Many guests mentioned good value given the location and condition of the hostel.
Food and Beverage
8.29
Review comments indicate that food prep areas can be crowded and not fully equipped.
Overall Experience
9.36
Overall a very positive experience with great atmosphere and facilities.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 19:07

Property Description

Convenient Location
Located in the heart of Christchurch, Drifter Christchurch offers easy access to popular attractions such as Christchurch Art Gallery and Canterbury Museum.

Comfortable Accommodation
Featuring air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities, guests can relax in a shared lounge or enjoy the terrace. The 24-hour front desk ensures a seamless stay experience.

Delicious Dining Options
Guests can indulge in a delightful à la carte or American breakfast at the on-site restaurant. Free WiFi and entertainment staff add to the overall experience.

Book your stay at Drifter Christchurch now for a memorable experience in Christchurch!

Important information:

Please note that there is a 2% charge when you pay with a (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) credit card.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

9.1
Based on 2827 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.79
Service: 9.26
Location: 9.8
Room Quality: 9.25
Amenities: 8.78
Value for Money: 9.24
Food and Beverage: 8.29
Overall Experience: 9.36
L
LU • solo_traveller • cn
10
Pros:

The best guest house I've ever lived. The stuff is very friendly and helpful. The room is clean and comfortable, everything is good

Cons:

N/A

2026-10-17 • via Nuitee
T
Ting Yi • family_with_children • tw
10
2026-10-17 • via Nuitee
M
Millie • solo_traveller • us
10
2026-10-17 • via Nuitee
S
Skye • solo_traveller • au
8
2026-10-16 • via Nuitee
D
Dara • couple • us
10
Incredible location and price. Feels like a hotel!
Pros:

The avocado toast and coffee deal was a steal and absolutely delicious! Loved the key/phone door function. Made me feel very safe. It was quiet and clean and had so many amenities. Loved the cinema room and movie night with free popcorn and a drink! The staff were so friendly and accommodating and helped me print some items. Will definitely be recommending this place to friends!

2026-10-16 • via Nuitee
T
tatianachey • couple • fr
8
Pros:

Près de la gare routière et d'un supermarché.

Cons:

Salle de bain très petite.

2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
逸 • extended_group • tw
10
2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
B
Brett • solo_traveller • au
10
In and out, ez dubz
Pros:

Comfy overnighter stay

2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
N
Namit • solo_traveller • in
10
2026-10-14 • via Nuitee
P
Patricia • solo_traveller • nz
5
Cocina sucísima
Pros:

Las camas eran cómodas y las zonas comunes estaban guays.

Cons:

La cocina no tenía apenas cubiertos y estaba increíblemente sucia.

2026-10-14 • via Nuitee
C
Christel • solo_traveller • be
9
2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
P
Penny • couple • nz
8
2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
T
Tina • solo_traveller • ca
10
2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
C
chen • solo_traveller • au
10
2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
D
David • solo_traveller • jp
10
Pros:

This is the most high-tech hotel I have ever stayed in!

Almost everything is controlled through a mobile phone, including opening the doors, checking in, and checking out. The entire process is self-service and online, which is incredibly convenient and advanced.

Staying here feels like stepping into the future! The technology makes everything so easy and gives the hotel a truly unique experience.

I was very impressed with this hotel, and I will definitely stay here again the next time I visit Christchurch. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys modern technology and convenience!

2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
H
Hassan • solo_traveller • nz
10
Perfect
Pros:

Very good

Cons:

Nothing

2026-10-10 • via Nuitee
W
WKP SGP • extended_group • sg
9
My choice for Christchurch
Pros:

Wonderful staff like Emily who readily helped with carrying our luggage bags during check-in and check-out. Thanks for your service.

Got the same room as a week ago. And free welcome drinks. Really nice.

Modern, comfy room.

Activity areas are well-maintained. Access and lift calling all managed via phone apps - something I m not comfortable with but so far so good.

Cons:

The kitchen layout is not well-planned

2026-10-09 • via Nuitee
H
Harvey • solo_traveller • ph
8
2026-10-09 • via Nuitee
C
Cate • solo_traveller • au
10
2026-10-08 • via Nuitee
W
WKP SGP • solo_traveller • sg
9
Good place to stay if you are on public transport.
Pros:

Love its proximity to the Intercity bus dropoff/City bus interchange. Opp the supermart and a great coffee joint tt opens at 7am (if u don't want to make own bkf or eat in house)
Efficient check.in. Staff took time for us to learn to us the online apps to operate the access security features.
Room has a nice morn sunrise view. Never saw a room with so many socket points but good.
Quiet comfy small room. Well-maintained.
Lots of facilities to hang around like the Library or Zen Rm

Cons:

Better if there is a ramp for luggage added to the main reception entrance which has 5-6 steps.
when we were there for check-in & check-out, the staff has stepped away fr counter so we had to heave the bags ourselves. Ramp access is at a far end.
Communal kitchen is too cramped. The cutlery drawer is awkwardly located at the cooking hob area.

Would prefer a bigger desk or countertop to the extendable desk so the tray/kettle can be parked there rather than on the seat.
The hanger holders have poor spacing so they are hard to hang clothes directly and the hangers with clothes would be crowded.
The sink is too small and water ends up on the floor.

2026-09-19 • via Nuitee