About

Lock in your stay at Jailhouse Accommodation.

At Jailhouse Accommodation you’re not just booking a bed, you’re booking a story to tell. Our renovated prison is one of Christchurch’s most unique stays, voted a top pick by Hostelworld, Lonely Planet and Rough Guides. Enjoy free WiFi, free off-street parking, and award-winning facilities.

Rooms & Facilities

* Super-comfy beds with fresh linen, fully made up.

* Room types: singles, doubles, twins, dorms, and larger rooms ideal for families or groups.

* Travelling with under-16s? Please book a private room, not a dorm.

* Extras include: movie rooms with Disney+ and Netflix, pool table, darts, guest kitchen, laundry, and towel hire.

* Fully secure, after all, it used to be a Jail!

Location & Local Favourites

* Closest hostel to TranzAlpine Train Station, Apollo Projects Stadium, Nga Puna Wai Sports Hub, and Wolfbrook Arena.

* Easy walk or short bus ride to Hagley Park, the beautiful Botanic Gardens, the Christchurch Arts Centre, and the vibrant new CBD. Home to cool bars, shops, laneways, and the famous Riverside Market, buzzing with street food, local produce, and boutique stalls.

In Addington you’ll find plenty of local flavour: grab your morning coffee and hearty brunch at Addington Coffee Co-op, enjoy relaxed dining or a craft beer at The Pedal Pusher, and don’t miss a generous platter at the iconic Afghan Restaurant, a true Christchurch must-try.

Check-in & Access

* Contactless self check-in with secure GOKI digital locks.

* PIN code emailed on the morning of arrival.

* Want it via text? Use the pre check-in link after booking to add your phone number.

* Late arrivals welcome. Access pins work 24/7. (We recommend booking a private room if arriving late to respect dorm guests.)

Before You Arrive – Good to Know

We like to keep things simple so you can focus on enjoying your stay:

* Payment: All stays are paid in advance by credit or debit card (2% fee applies).

* Cancellations: Within policy, refunds are available minus a small 2% admin fee.

* Cards: Please make sure your card details are up to date. If a card declines, you’ll have time to update it (12 hours, or 2 hours for same-day bookings).

* Arriving late? No worries. Just make sure you book for the correct date if you’ll be arriving after midnight.

* House respect: Charges may apply for no-shows, late cancellations, damage, smoking/vaping indoors, or anything that disturbs fellow guests.

Why Stay With Us?

Because no one ever forgets their first night in jail.

BOOK YOUR STAY. DO SOME TIME.

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(4935)
  • Value for Money
    8.4
  • Security
    9.1
  • Atmosphere
    8.3
  • Cleanliness
    9.0
  • Staff
    8.9
  • Location
    8.1
  • Facilities
    8.1
Stayed in Jan 2026
9.7
R
Richard
Couple, 31-40, England
Probably one of the nicest hostels ive ever stayed in, clean tidy loads of space in the dorms and common areas, like staying in a museum, kept loads of the old prison features and even a fancy dress prisoner outfits to try on 😂, it's not really a partying hostel, seeing families and a cricket team in there during our stay, have a pool table/ dart board too, would recommend a very cool unique hostel.
Stayed in Dec 2025
9.7
J
John
Male, 41+, Ireland
A little far from the cbd but bus or uber sorts that. All the dorms/ cells have their own code, fully fitted kitchen, clean, helpful staff. Shops pubs nearby. Would stay again
Stayed in Dec 2025
10
C
Caroline
Female, 41+, England
Brilliant quirky hostel with lots to make you smile! The walk into the centre through a park is fine too . Thank you x
View all reviews

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.