help with finding accommodation in Christchurch?

Question

I fly into Christchurch after 23;00 and need to find somewhere (cheap) to stay for at least 2nights.

do you know anywhere that will have an open reception and how do I get from the airport at that hour? or is it a busy place and will there be public transport available then? how much would a taxi to the city be? is it far from the Airport?

Answer 1

There are a few good hostels in Christchurch but the most convenient is Base Backpackers (took me a minute to find it since the name has changed since I stayed there). It is located smack in Cathedral Square (the city center) and has a reception staffed 24-hours. Ask for a room in the rear and to the top if you want to avoid noise from the Square. A dorm room (4-8 beds) will run you NZD $25/26 per night. There is a nice pub on the ground floor that does decent cheap meals too. Some of the backpacker buses stop here for the night so it is a good idea to reserve your bed ahead of time, especially if you are arriving late.

The airport is quite a way from the central city, definitely not walking distance. I recall spending NZD $25 for a taxi, but you can also get a shuttle for about $14 (or you can try to negotiate a better price, especially at that hour). I used to work at the airport and don't recall any buses after 21:30, but according to the backpacker site there is one that runs as late as 23:35 for $7. Frankly, with luggage the city bus is a pain so I would go with the shuttle. All will drop you in the same place, at the square where the hostel is located.

Have a great trip! Christcurch is a nice town, I'm sure you will love it.

Answer 2

There are lots of cheap backpackers in central Christchurch, such as Occidental Backpackers www.occidental.co.nz or New Excelsior Backpackers [e-mail]. All of them are perfectly adequate for a few nights stay. Occidental is very central and does breakfasts. You can either get a dorm bed (for equivalent of about £7, or a separate room (around £15).

The airport is maybe 15-20 mins drive from city centre, on the outskirts of Christchurch. A taxi won't cost too much but there will probably be buses then. Have a great time!

Answer 3

Depends on the amount of money you have. There are a couple of hotels right beside the airport for your first night but they are not very cheap, but they are open for all incoming international flights. Taxis are available 24 hours a day. If you find a cheaper place, book ahead and ask them to wait up for you. They may even pick you up. Try www.christchurch.org.nz

Answer 4

Ther are loads of hostels in the city and also there are a couple of campsites on the outskirts which are nearer to the airport which do motel rooms and i would suggest that you get the shuttebus which i seem to remember you can book online. NZ is an amazing place and im sure you will love it.

Answer 5

Christchurch Motel
Category: 4 Star : Rates from $93 (NZD)
Nearby Tours | Regional Info
23 spacious comfortably appointed, fully serviced units, fully self-contained with separate kitchen, lounge, bath and shower.
Studio, one and two bedroom units (sleep 1-6)

Electric Blankets, Sky TV, heated spa, breakfast available.

Courtesy coach by arrangement for Airport & Railway, pick-up and deliveries.

Fully equipped laundry

Close to hospital, two major shopping centres, Canterbury University, Hagley Park, Teachers College, Riccarton Racecourse, Addington Raceway, Railway Station, Westpac Trust Stadium and the Airport.

Answer 6

Stay at the YHA its a really good one. There is Taxi rank outside the airport and should cost approx $20 to centre maybe less.

Answer 7

Try

www.backpack.co.nz

It has a list of all the different backpackers in NZ. It has their details so you could either ring or email them and ask. Usually they have someone there who can come down and meet you if it's after hours, you just have to let them know.