Dorset House Backpackers / Dorset Apartments

Of the three Christchurch hostels I’ve tried, The Dorset House was easily the best. Our twin room was huge and had everything we wanted: towels, a flat-screen TV, bedside tables and lamps, a heater, heating blankets, and two pillows each. The kitchen is roomy and well equipped, with enough stovetops and an oven, plenty of fridge space, and okay storage for groceries. We also spent time in the lounge, which has a billiard table, TV, and lots of seating. Staff were genuinely friendly and accommodating. Bathrooms are conveniently placed, clean, and modern, with a nice shower that was a little tricky to get to the right temperature. It’s a great option for a short or longer stay, and the rooms are especially good value at weekly rates. I’d definitely come back :)

We had a clean double room with a very comfortable bed, and the heated blanket was a welcome extra. The bathrooms were tidy and clean, with good showers. The hostel’s in a great spot, the Wi-Fi is free and good, and the staff are very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended.

Quiet but with a good atmosphere, this is a really friendly hostel not far from the city centre and just two minutes from the botanical garden. If you’ve just arrived in NZ and need an address for opening a New Zealand bank account, they’ll let you use theirs. Just ask at check-in.

We planned to stay a little, then ended up spending our last two weeks of the NZ trip here. The rooms were really nice and the beds comfy, and the friendly staff were a big reason we stayed. Great kitchen with all the utensils you need, unlimited free Wi-Fi, and a superb location.