Special features at YHA Christchurch, Rolleston House that backpackers love:
- The best hostel location in Christchurch: backpacker accommodation directly opposite the Christchurch Arts Centre, in between the museum and the Art Gallery and right next to Hagley Park.
- Lovely character building full of charm but modern comforts.
- Courtesy transport service to the Christchurch rail depot for those taking the Tranz Scenic train ride.
- Excellent facilities including internet access, a book exchange and self-catering kitchen.
- Late night entry for backpackers who have prebooked at this Christchurch hostel.
About Christchurch
Christchurch, the largest city in New Zealand’s beautiful South Island, is a popular choice of backpackers. Christchurch is an exciting location in itself and is also a great base for visits to Mount Hutt skifield and the resort towns of Hanmer Springs and Akaroa, all within a few hours drive.
Stay in either of our backpacker hostels in Christchurch’s vibrant central city, both a minute’s walk from Christchurch Cathedral in the Square. You can relax by strolling along the willow-lined Avon River or to get your dose of adrenalin try paragliding, white water rafting, sky diving or jet boating in nearby locations around the city and in Canterbury or Banks Peninsula. Cruises are available to see the dolphins in Lyttelton or Akaroa Harbour on the Banks Peninsula and for unsurpassed views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps, head up the Christchurch Gondola to the top of the Port Hills.
In the centre of Christchurch is Hagley Park with its acres of parkland, the world renowned Botanical Gardens as well as golf, free tennis, petanque and rollerblading. Experience an extensive and varied selection of museums (including the famous Antarctic Centre) and award winning gardens or take a trip down to the beach at Sumner or New Brighton. Have a Maori cultural experience at the Tamaki Heritage village or Kotane at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.
Christchurch offers a varied selection of bars and cafes, many offering outdoor dining alongside the river or the sea. Food lovers are equally well catered for with flavours from around the world and refresh yourself with one of the cleanest water supplies in the world - untreated artesian well water on tap! Go shopping at the colourful Arts Centre markets on the weekend or check out the fashion on High Street or in the many suburban malls. Christchurch has it all!
Top activities to do while backpacking in Christchurch
- Take a trip up the Gondola for breathtaking views of the patchwork Canterbury plains, the majestic Southern Alps and gorgeous Lyttelton Harbour.
- Visit some of Christchurch’s many cultural centres: the Antarctic Centre, the Canterbury Museum, the Tamaki Heritage village and the colourful Arts Centre weekend craft market.
- For animal lovers, swim with the dolphins at Akaroa Harbour, visit the Kiwis at Willowbank or Orana Park or simply feed the ducks along the picturesque Avon River in Hagley Park.
- Get adventurous: snowboard or ski at Mt Hutt skifield, go white water rafting, hot air ballooning, paragliding, parapunting or skydiving.
- Take a day trip to sample Canterbury’s award winning wines at Waipara, cheese at Barry’s Bay or soak in the Hanmer Springs thermal hot pools.
- Christchurch has kilometres of sandy beaches from New Brighton to Sumner where you can learn to surf, swim, sunbathe or just eat some of New Zealand’s famous hokey pokey ice-cream. Yum.
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