The Old Countryhouse Backpackers

Sam and George are the friendliest and most helpful receptionists I’ve ever encountered at a hostel. Absolutely one of my favorite hostels I’ve ever stayed at. The vibes are mellow but fun and social. The kitchen is very clean, spacious and well equipped, each bunk has its own nightlight and outlet for charging, there is a hot tub and sauna to enjoy on the chilly evenings, nice laundry facilities, and clean bathrooms and showers. I really appreciated that there was no curfew, we are adults after all. :) The only downside for me was the distance from the city center, but I wanted to stay somewhere quiet without the young party crowd that typically flocks to the hostels in the center of town. There is a bus stop directly across the street though which will get you to the city center in 10 minutes for $4.50.

CAUTION - Extra charges will apply because hostel manager is not clear in her instructions. Hostel is in a good location, great vibe with the added kitty. Other guests are great. However, beware of hostel manager who is everything BUT clear with her after-hours instructions We were charged 30$ extra for using showers that we were 'not supposed to use'. I wonder if she charges extra to those who leave the kitchen dirty after cooking? Wanted to leave luggage in her storage room and would have done so had she not arrived and rudely told us she would close the storage room at 2.00 instead of 4.00 PM like it is written on the door of said storage room. A shame that a great trip to Christchurch ended on such a note

Best hostel in Christchurch. Feels really welcoming, loads of grass patches in the hostel area and the hot tub + sauna really makes it perfect. Bus stop it just across the street and a good bar (Bridie’s) a 1min walk away. Worth the money and 100% recommended!

It was fantastic from the beginning until the end. Starting with the lovely and friendly welcome of Luca who explained everything perfect to us, continuing with the well equipped and clean kitchen (free coffee available!), we directly felt at home. In our dorm room we had huge windows and the beds were comfortable too. Plus: Two sockets for every bed - Perfect to use especially in combination with the free wifi! Another nice feature were the secure lockers. Even though, I didn‘t need to use them because I felt safe over the whole stay, I do think it is another good opportunity to create and support a safe feeling. At night it was good to have the electronic key that you get in the beginning. You will not have any problems to enter the Hostel. Thanks so much to Gerti and Andy again - it was fantastic! I would highly recommend to go here!

Great hostel in a good location. Parking space at the hostel, but if that's full there is plenty of street parking. I loved the design of the hostel with different houses and a lot of grass space. Good security in the hostel as it has a card key for the building and each room. And there is also a safe for each person in the room to use. Each bed has two USB plug and two outlets. My only complaint was that the beds were pretty uncomfortable and springy, but I really enjoyed the hostel and it's a great value so I'm still giving it 5 stars. Kitchen was soooo impressively clean and so were the toilets and showers. Each one is separate and you get your own space in the showers. Lastly, cool staff! Thanks for being so chill!

Perks: hot tub, sauna, good atmosphere (not a party hostel for the most part) and towels, car sale board, and free stuff. ||Not the most convenient location to the city- be prepared to walk awhile or take some buses. Although we had a great time exploring Christchurch! What a lovely city with great art and culture. ||I’d say the cost was a bit high for what it is. Private room was nice- however- I would say the mattresses are due for a renewal. Ouch. Hard and pointy. Plus the walls are thin as paper so not much privacy with your neighbors. | ||I think the biggest thing was the inconsistency of the staff. Some were clearly in training, which I completely understand, but please don’t make things up when you have no clue and give incorrect and confusing information. I was quoted several different room prices from staff members and never the amount listed on their own website- often off by 10-30 NZ dollars.

For my long experience living like a backpacker in Christchurch, this is the best hostel in town, very comfortable beds, very clean and tidy, super quiet, beautiful gardens, nearly to everything, if you have bicycle is perfect! 5 min to town, 10 min to my job, 20 min to the beach. 100% recommended.

I have to begin by saying I’m no longer a backpacker hostel person and came here because other accommodation fell through at the very last minute. I thought the double room was expensive at $122 per night.||However, the service was absolutely outstanding and every member of the team made sure that they did things to help me out. My room was quiet, the place operates on a culture of respect, there is a focus on sustainability and the gardens are lovely for just sitting.Free tea and coffee is provided in the kitchen.||I’m hugely grateful to the team for their friendly and obliging service. Thanks so much.

We stayed here towards the end of our two months in NZ on two visits between heading to Kaikoura and out Akoroa. It was very handy for the centre of Christchurch, which is only a few minutes walk away - there was also a fair bit of parking (and plenty in the streets around). Our private double room was nice and quiet. It could have done with a couple more shower areas around the place, but it was always very clean. This kitchen area was very good, although like most places it was very busy for a good 2 hour period each night. The staff were helpful and very friendly. It definately isn't your average party hostel and we would thoroughly recommend it.

Pretty sweet backpackers we had there in ChCh. Stayed there for about two weeks, while trying to sell our van. The guy working at the reception was pretty helpful, and had a lot of tips, including a sheet with car-selling and -buying information. Rooms were pretty cool, although we stayed in a 6-bed dorm that just had a small window - so the air got pretty nasty some nights. Beds were good though. Kitchen was always kept clean by some backpackers working for accomodation. The living room was cosy, and there were always people to hang out with and talk to if you got bored. Still, best thing about that clean and cosy backpackers was the quite central location. You got a 10 to 15 minute walk to the centre of ChCh. We've been there last autumn. Don't know how things go back there since that massive earthquake though. Hope all you guys are okay down there! Cheers!