Dorset House Backpackers / Dorset Apartments in Christchurch 

Dorset House has been refurbished to high standards, and well maintained. Dorset House has a range of modern facilities and amenities, yet is still steeped in the historic character of the early Christchurch pioneers. Built in 1871 as the home for the wealthy timber merchant J.B Way, it once featured 27 rooms and three Italian marble fireplaces. Today, its fascinating history and elegant character makes it an ideal haven for the weary traveller.

Dorset House offers twin rooms, double rooms, single rooms, small doubles and share rooms. The hostel is open all year around, except Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. All beds are fully made, and there are no bunk beds. Share rooms have a maximum of four beds per room. All rooms are within 3-7 metres from refurbished, modern bathrooms with plenty of hot water. We also have one-two bedroom holiday apartments available during the summer season. These are fully furnished, with all linen and towels included, and they have fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms and washing machines.

The Kitchen:The kitchen at Dorset House is spacious and sunny. Facilities include: two large dining tables, four separate cooking units, one large oven, two small ovens, two microwaves, three fridges and plenty of food storage. There is always plenty of room available even when the house is full. All cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery are provided as well as free tea, coffee and sugar. The kitchen is cleaned and tea towels and dish cloths are changed on a daily basis. Adjacent the kitchen is a large balcony with plenty of seating and tables available. This is a great place to enjoy a relaxing breakfast and catch the warmth of the morning sun.

Dorset House is situated alongside the green heart of Christchurch, next to the magnificent Hagley Park where you can walk along the Avon River and feed the ducks or just relax surrounded by trees and greenery. The hostel is just a ten minute walk away from Cathedral Square, the centre of Christchurch with its museums and art galleries and it’s just two minutes walk away from bars, cafes and restaurants.

How to find Dorset HouseBy AirChristchurch International Airport is the transport hub for all Domestic and International flights from around the world. From the Airport a variety of transport options are available. Bus: The 'City Flyer' is Christchurch's Public Bus operating daily from outside the Airport Terminal - look for the bus shelter signs for 'City Flyer' located near the International Arrival Terminal. The bus stops along Park Terrace, from there walk back two blocks the way you came, and you will find Dorset St. The City Flyer costs approximately $7.00 per person. Airport Shuttle: Shuttles are available outside the Airport Terminal to take you directly to Dorset House. The cost is approximately $17 for one person, approximately $21 for two, and $4-5 per person after that. Taxi: a taxi stand is located outside the Airport Terminal. The cost to take a taxi into the central city should be approximately between $35-45.Rental Cars: all major rental companies have offices at the Airport Terminal for you to hire cars from. Dorset House is easy to find situated just off the main city to airport route. By TrainThe Christchurch Train Station is situated not far from the city and close to the south side of Hagley Park. It is the termination stop for both the 'TranzAlpine' and 'TranzCoastal' train journeys. From the train station a shuttle is available to transport you to Dorset House for approximately $7-10. There is a free return shuttle service to the train station. By CoachThe InterCity bus terminal is centrally located at 123 Worcester Street, in central Christchurch. From here it is approximately a 10 minute walk across the cental city and down Victoria Street to Dorset Street and the Dorset Street Backpackers. Alternatively, there are taxis available from close to the bus terminal in the Square. Atomic Travel coaches will drop you off directly at Dorset HouseBy Private VehicleDorset House is located on Dorset Street, which centrally located between Park Avenue (that runs alongside Hagley Park) and Victoria Street (one of the main streets in and out of the central city).

Steeped in history and next to beautiful Hagley Park, Dorset House Christchurch Backpackers Hostel is relaxing, elegant and has all that a budget traveller could need.Built in 1871, Dorset House Backpackers once featured 27 rooms and 3 Italian marble fireplaces. It has been carefully refurbished without losing its character.Set among beautiful gardens, it retains the atmosphere of the time of early pioneers. All guest rooms are within 3-7 metres of bathrooms, and there are no bunks. Beds are fully made with fresh linen, and there is free Wi-Fi access.Also available are Dorset Apartments, 1 and 2-bedroom, self-contained summer apartments. Dorset Apartments are located in a 1920s building, on Peterborough Street, just 10 minutes' walk from Dorset House.

Please inform staff in advance if your arrival should be later than 18:00. Contact details can be found on the booking confirmation.