Christchurch

Christchurch is a street art haven, a pop-up paradise and a gritty, resourceful city full of regeneration and creativity. The largest city on New Zealand’s South Island has seen more than its fair share of troubles, with earthquakes rocking the city’s very core. Yet, the city’s spirit and resilience are enough to lure backpackers back time and time again.

You’ll find hostels scattered throughout the city and its outer suburbs, with the majority, centrally located making transportation a breeze. Christchurch hostels portray an easy going and relaxed atmosphere which makes making new mates all the easier on your travels. Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking to splash out a little and treat yourself we’re sure you’ll find the right Christchurch hostel for you. You can even stay in an old jailhouse (it’s fancy now), or a fancy new-build with sleek modern architecture. Communal kitchens and BBQs will help you save the dollar and meeting new friends over a hot-stove is a backpacker rite of passage. There’s free unlimited Wi-Fi available, delicious breakfasts and laundry facilities too. Don’t forget to check our best hostels in Christchurch!

Christchurch’s great public transport allows you to have one less thing to worry about when trying to find a hostel. Whatever tickles your fancy, a hostel close to the beach or a hostel inland further out from the city centre we’re confident you’ll find a great base to explore this vibrant and energetic city. If you choose to stay in Downtown, you’ll be surprised at the amount of nature at your feet. With Hagley Park, the River Avon and the Botanic Gardens all within walking distance. As well as the majority of bars, restaurants and shops. But even if you pick a beach-side hostel in the Bexley area, you’ll still be surrounded by parks. They don’t call this ‘The Garden City’ for nothing!

New Zealand is anything but simple when it comes to its scenery and things to do. A great way to get familiar and explore the city’s hidden gems is to hire a bike or join a guided bike tour. For the nature lovers out there, you’ll be in flower heaven at the Botanic Gardens which is located riverside and sits on 30 (yes 30!) hectares. If you’re into museums take a trip to the Canterbury Museum to get your fix. For the romantics out there opt to go Punting on the Avon and enjoy scenic views with a ride in a small, flat-bottomed boat steered by a dressed-up guide.

The main and cheapest form of public transport used throughout New Zealand’s towns and cities are busses. Depending on where your hostel is located you can explore the town on foot or catch a taxi or bus into town. If you’re planning on travelling around New Zealand, consider hiring a campervan to allow maximum flexibility, or opt for one of the many hop-on-hop-off buses rotating their way around the islands.