Hostels & budget options:
LyLo Christchurch (airport area / formerly JUCY Snooze)
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12–16 km from UC, 15–25 min drive depending on route/traffic. Bus Route close by.
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Typical price NZ$40–$110 / night (capsule/hostel beds at lower end; private rooms higher).
Drifter Christchurch (96 Lichfield St, CBD)
- 5–6 km from UC; CBD location ~10–20 min drive / good bus link.
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Typical price: NZ$40–$120 / night (dorm beds and private rooms).
Haka House Christchurch (Hereford St / CBD)
- 5–6 km (central Christchurch). ~10–20 min drive / good bus links.
- Typical Feb price: ~NZ$35–$120 / night (backpacker / student-style accommodation; private rooms available).
Airbnb
- Riccarton and Ilam have many Airbnb options, most within 3 km of UC (5 minute drive or 10-20 minue walk)
- Typical July AirBnB / motels in Riccarton: ~NZ$80–$180 / night depending on size/location and whether it’s a whole house/apartment.
Hotels:
Crowne Plaza Christchurch (Colombo St, CBD)
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5–6 km from UC (Ilam) — 10–15 min drive.
Typically NZ$120–$220 / night (higher for upgraded rooms and peak season).
Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square
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5–6 km from UC (Cathedral Square is in the CBD).- 10–20 min drive. (Good bus links).
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Typically NZ$130–$240 / night (higher for upgraded rooms and peak season).
Ibis Christchurch (CBD)
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5–6 km from UC; 10–20 min drive / 20–30 min public transport.
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Typically NZ$90–$150 / night (higher for upgraded rooms and peak season).
Fino Hotel & Suites (CBD)
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5–6 km from UC. 10–20 min drive
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Typically NZ$120–$220 / night (suite/apartment style rooms tend toward upper end).
BreakFree on Cashel (Cashel St, CBD)
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6–7 km from UC . 15–25 min drive.. 25–30 min by bus.
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Typical price NZ$90–$160 / night.
Hotel Give (central, former YMCA — socially sustainable hotel)
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5–6 km (central Christchurch, near Botanical Gardens / Riverside Markets). 10–20 min drive to UC.
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Typical price: NZ$80–$140 / night (budget/midmarket; charity model).
Other local options:
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Fyffe on Riccarton Motor Lodge — friendly 3star motor lodge, 0.5–1.5 km from UC (walking distance for many), generally NZ$90–$160/night.
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Riccarton Motor Lodge / Riccarton Mall area motels — small motels clustered near Westfield Riccarton Mall. 1–3 km from UC, generally NZ$80–$160/night depending on unit size.
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Grand Riccarton Hotel / The Riccarton Hotel — larger hotel options near Riccarton Road/Westfield, 1–3 km from UC, generally NZ$120–$200/night.
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Bush Inn Court Motel (Upper Riccarton) — well-rated motel close to Riccarton shops, 2–3 km from UC, generally NZ$90–$150/night.
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298 Westside Motor Lodge / 306 Motel Apartments — practical, family-friendly motels right next to campus or a very short drive, 0.5–2 km from UC, generally NZ$90–$160/night.
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Ascot Vale Motor Lodge / Apollo Motel / Coachman Motel — reliable mid-range motels with easy parking, 1–3 km from UC, generally NZ$80–$150/night. T
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Classique Lodge Motel / Golden Hotel — comfortable, well-reviewed local motels, 1–3 km from UC, generally NZ$80–$160/night.
