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148 Chester Street East, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Me and my boyfriend stayed here for 8 months while we were working, it’s the best! I loved Chester street backpackers, so much that I still call it home. The owners Anthony and Karen are the kindest, loveliest and most helpful people I’ve ever met. Sometimes they would leave eggs for everyone to share in the kitchen from their chickens at their farm ? If you need help they are only a phone call away, they have helped me and my boyfriend multiple times, with things that were nothing to do with the hostel! They are always happy to lend a helping hand wherever they can ? If you need somewhere to stay, even if only for a couple days or long term then this is the perfect place. It has a beautiful back and front garden that is maintained weekly, a front room with lots of books and DVDs you can flick through and is a peaceful place to relax. Affordable, clean and in a great place to be able to walk into Christchurch, 5/10 mins! My only regret is leaving! Thank you Anthony and Karen, hopefully I’ll be back to stay again one day!!!
A place to be home: The hostel and especially its owners create a perfect place to feel at home. The location is very central in Christchurch and yet it is very quiet and beautiful to look at with nature. Fresh flowers can be found on the kitchen table every day and there are fresh eggs regularly. The hostel is very tidy and clean so that I always felt comfortable in there. This place is just too beautiful to leave. Thank you very much for the great time.
I've stayed in Chester Street for 4 months and could have easily stayed for much longer (and I wish I could have!!). The place feels like home away from home. All the other backpackers staying longterm makes it feel like you are living in a shared flat with the nicest and funnest flatmates. The place always looked tidy thanks to the lovely staff (thank you Karen, Lucy and Antony!!), the house would often smell like freshly baked bread or crêpes (thank you Mowali and Justine), there would always be fresh flowers on the kitchen table, often there'd be fresh free range eggs from the owner's farm, and of course there is Pipi the cat to really top off that homely feeling! The owners are super accommodating and helpful and truly only a phone call away. Antony sells campervans for backpackers and was always willing to help you out with any car-related issues or help you think along to find solutions. Karen was super sweet, always in for a fun little chat, and made sure to keep the house and garden nice and clean. She'd always put fresh flowers on the kitchen table and made a lovely fruit cake for christmas. The house and location itself are great! Only a 15/20 min walk from the city center, in the prettiest street of all of Christchurch, and with the Avon River and the surrounding green area very nearby, perfect for a run, bike ride or picnic! The house has a very nice and warm interior. Big kitchen table, lounge with comfy couches, a big tv, plenty of books, films and games to choose from, a backyard with two picnic tables, so plenty of space to hang out with your flatmates :). The porch especially is great for a nice little morning coffee in the sun. Chester Street Backpackers and all the people I've met there is what made my time in Christchurch very special and would definitely recommend to any other (solo)travelers!
It wasn’t just a hostel—it was my home. Over the past six months, I made so many wonderful memories with amazing people. Everyone was always kind, welcoming, supportive, and considerate. Karen keeps the place clean and cozy, provides organic eggs, and cares about how we’re doing. Antony shows up whenever we need him and can fix just about anything. Lucy, the staff member, is the friendliest and most amazing person! And I miss Pipi the cat so much. The location is great—15min walk to the CBD—and the environment is very safe. I feel so lucky to have spent such a valuable time at Chester St Backpackers!
While we didn't stay at the accommodation, we bought our campervan from Antony here. He's a genuine and trustworthy seller who made the whole process extremely seamless and stress-free. He was great at communicating even before we arrived in the country, taking our calls and giving us photos and specs in advance. If you're in the market for a van in Christchurch, I can definitely recommend reaching out to him.









