About

Stay in Jail for an unforgettable experience with Free Unlimited UltraFast WiFi and free parking! Hostelworld, Lonely Planet and Rough Guides top pick for Christchurch, we have won heaps of Awards!

We operate with contactless self check-in using GOKI door locks - simply check your emails on arrival morning to get your 'Goki' lock access Pin codes to the building and your room. To also receive your PIN code via Text, please use the Pre check-in link that you will be sent after booking, and add your phone number.

We welcome late night arrivals - just use your access Pins 24/7 (prefer private rooms not dorms for late night arrivals)

ALL PAYMENT IS TAKEN IN ADVANCE on your credit/debit card once inside the cancelation policy

You can enjoy our renovated heritage accommodation, which had a colourful history as Addington Prison.

Our clean, warm and friendly accommodation features super-comfortable beds with free parking, free WiFi, fresh linen with fully made-up beds, free off-street parking, free DVD hire, cinema room, free pool table, commercially-styled guest kitchen. towel hire and laundry. We offer private singles, doubles, twin bunks and also dorms, as well as some larger rooms that can be used by families or groups. If traveling with under 16s, please reserve private rooms, not shared dorms.

Christchurch is the gateway to the amazing South Island. Our suburb of Addington is a happening place to be, with awesome new places opening all the time. We are the closest hostel to the Tranzalpine train station , Orangetheory Stadium and Horncastle Arena where many concerts and functions are held. You could walk, or it is a short bus ride to Hagley Park, Canterbury Museum andour exciting new CBD with new bars on 'The Strip', new shops and places to explore like Little High. There are a number of vibrant cafes and bars close by, including Pedal Pushers, Morrell and Co, renowned Simo's Deli, Addington Coffee Co-op and Court Theatre.

We have modern facilities in our budget youth hostel; you will have secure digital Pin access to your room 24 hours a day. And of course, the jail features provide total security.

Stay somewhere different!

Credit or Debit card payments only, payment will be taken prior to arrival. Should your card be declined then you will be given 12 hours to update it, and if still declined we reserve the right to cancel the booking ( 2 hours for same-day bookings). Please ensure your card does not decline.

Your credit card will be charged prior to your arrival with the card used to make this booking. Refunds due to early cancellation will be subject to an administration fee. If arriving after midnight, please ensure you have booked for the correct date (the date prior to midnight). We prefer you book a Private Room for late arrivals so you don't disturb other Dorm Guests. Your credit card will be held securely and may be charged for 'no shows', cancellations within cancellation policy, or for wilful damage, theft, additional cleaning, smoking/vaping inside, inappropriate behavior or breaching terms

House Rules

Check In

14:00 - 23:00

Check Out

until 10:00

  • Taxes Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free Parking
  • Free City Maps
  • Free WiFi
  • Free Internet Access
  • Free Luggage Storage
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Adaptors
  • Jobs Board
View all facilities

Reviews

8.6Fabulous(4903)
  • Value for Money
    8.7
  • Security
    9.5
  • Atmosphere
    7.6
  • Cleanliness
    9.1
  • Staff
    9.0
  • Location
    7.9
  • Facilities
    8.7
Stayed in Apr 2025
8.6
A
Addison
Female, 18-24, Canada
Stayed for one night in a private double bed dorm and it was comfy! Quiet and close to the central area of Christchurch. Would recommend for fellow travellers and backpackers. First time staying in a hostel and was definitely a cool experience! Washrooms could have been better but nothing we couldn’t handle. Thanks for a great stay!
Stayed in Mar 2025
7.7
C
Cecile
Female, 25-30, Netherlands
I think it's an okay hostel. i liked the self checkin with the codes. I didn't really like the general atmosphere. The lights go out at 21h in the kitchen which i thought was a bit early. At 10 in the morning they clean everything so it's hard to be anywhere in the hostel then. I really disliked the mattress, the springs were poking me in my ribs. The 11 person shared room felt a bit awkward, not a great setup. The nightlamp also didn't work.
Stayed in Mar 2025
9.4
L
Lieselotte
Female, 25-30, England
Stayed in a mixed dorm, staff were super helpful if there were issues with other residents. Everywhere is cleaned thoroughly every day. Its a fun concept and the high ceilings of the old jailhouse mean the place is very open and light.
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Location

338 Lincoln Rd, Addington, Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
2.2km from city centre
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Hostelworld says

Jailhouse Accommodation was rated #1 in New Zealand and Oceania at the 2009 and 2013 Hoscars, and it's not hard to see why. This quirky, clean, comfortable and quiet hostel is set in a historic former jail. It's located about 20 minutes' walk from the Arts Centre, Christchurch Art Gallery, Canterbury Museum and the Botanic Gardens and is surrounded by a variety of bars and cafes. We like their friendly and very helpful staff, who have a great knowledge of the area.