What Guests Think of The Old Countryhouse hostel in Christchurch

Guests regularly rate The Old Countryhouse as one of the best hostels in New Zealand. Take a look at what they have to say about us.

Awards

	YEAR		AWARD
	2010		Hostelbookers Excellence Award for Cleanliness
	2009		Lets Go Guidebook Thumbs Up Award
	2008		Lets Go Guidebook Thumbs Up Award
	2007		Lets Go Guidebook Thumbs Up Award
	2006		Lets Go Guidebook Thumbs Up Award
	2005		Lets Go Guidebook Thumbs Up Award BUG 4 Star Award
	2004		Lets Go Guidebook Thumbs Up Award
	2003		Lets Go Guidebook Thumbs Up Award
	2002		Lets Go Guidebook Thumbs Up Award

Guest Survey Results

We're very proud of the results from the Annual BBH Survey of NZ Backpacker Hostels.
 

	YEAR	%	RANKING
	2012 2011	85 86	1 2
	2010	87	1
	2009	87	2
	2008	89	1
	2007	86	1
	2006	85	1
	2005	84	3
	2004	89	1
	2003	88	1
	2002	88	1
	2001	86	3
	2000	88	6
	1999	73	6
	1998	42	Unknown

Sample Guest Reviews

BBH World Travellers Accommodation NZ :

"Old villa with high ceilings, very clean, spacious kitchens and modern ensuite. The beds were great too. Also, the communication and booking via internet went perfect, even when we changed plans. I never expected such a peaceful setting in a big city." 31 January 10

"I just loved this place! It's really nice and clean, they are really friendly, nothing is a problem and everything is really easy. I wish I could have stayed longer. Thanks a lot." 28 January 10

"I spent my birthday here it was so good i came back a few months later sure it wont be my last stay here. Beds are great, lovely set up you have." 29 August 09

Hostel World

"Really great hostel, short walk to the city. Free homemade bread in the morning!" 16 February 2010

"Would really recommend The old country house, it is the best hostel that I've been to. There as been a lot of heart and thought gone into making this hostel!" 16 November 2009

"We stayed here twice and both times it was excellent. The place is spotless and the lovely Welsh girl who was working there was so professional and helped us sort out a rental car etc. An excellent place to stay."  19 September
Hostelbookers

"Wow! This is the nicest hostel I've ever stayed in (including my own). Neat, tidy, clean, secure, big spacious rooms, solid wooden beds that don't squeak, thermodrape curtains, quiet street, nice clean big kitchen, nice lounge, separate showers and toilets. Each house has its own facilities and has been recently renovated. Consequently, it attracts the quiet couple types so the atmosphere is rather subdued - which makes good sleeping! I would thoroughly recommend this place and I only moved because my friends were booked in another place on the other side of town." 6 February 2010

"A great place to stay, a real home away from home. Free fresh bread in the morning is a bonus. We loved this place so much we cancelled our other Christchurch accommodation for our last night in New Zealand. Good stuff!" 26 July 2010

Trip Advisor

"I stayed here for 4 nights in August 2008 whilst on a mini round the world trip. It is easily the best hostel I've every stayed in, and that's been quite a few! I had Room 8, which was just gorgeous. The bathroom was huge, there was central heating and the bed was so comfy!! The place is spotless, the kitchen a dream. The staff were fantastic. Yes, it's about a 10-15 minutes walk from the centre of Christchurch, but you'll get over it for the comfort of the place. Absolutely fantastic." 30 October 2009

"Came here for one night but just couldn't leave. The people, the hostel, the lovely dog all contributed to this place being one of those where you just don't want to leave. The facilities are great and although we initially thought that the location isn't as great because it's a little out of the city centre, we soon changed our mind because of the shops and the bus stops being just over the road and the walk into town is pleasant enough too. Most enjoyed the central heating (it was toasty warm - not a given in NZ hostels!), the good beds and the laid back and relaxing atmosphere. Can't wait to come back next year. Cheers for creating such a homely hostel for us travellers." 16 June 2007

Guide Book Reviews

Lonely Planet

"Well loved for its easy going ambience, the Countryhouse features two separate villas with handmade wooden furniture, a reading lounge, and a lovely garden filled with native ferns.  Its slightly further out than other hostels, but still only 1km east of Latimer Square; bus 21 stops opposite." 2008

"This excellent small hostel is a little further east of the others but is well worth travelling the extra distance (and its still only a 15 minute walk to the square).  Accommodation is inside an attractively restored old home the decor is great with lots of colour on the walls and timber furniture made by the owner and there is a warm and relaxed atmosphere." 2002

"Well east is a small quaint old building with heated rooms and a help yourself garden." 2000

Rough Guide

"One of Christchurchs most peaceful hostels, fashioned from a couple of wood-floored villas with bold decor and spacious dorms, 15 minute walk east of the Square (bus no.21)." 2008

Lets Go Guide

"Tucked away in a quiet residential area with herb garden and fresh baked bread in the mornings." 2008

Bug 

"This is a lovely hostel in three small beautifully restored houses.  In a quiet residential area, but close to a good cluster of shops and restaurants, it is a cosy place perfect for a getaway.  The dorms have niche bunks and large windows and the clean Bathrooms are gorgeously maintained.  There are two fully equipped kitchens and several handsomely furnished lounges.  There is also a nice yard with fruit trees and an organic herb garden.  They have internet access, laundry facilities and a secure car park.  Buses 21 and 83 stop right out in front and bus 60 stops around the corner.  Management and staff are helpful and friendly." 2008

Footprint

"2 renovated, well-equipped villas, similar in style, with doubles and shared rooms. Internet, off street parking. Recommended" 2007

FODOR's NZ

"This old house is actually two colourful restored villas, both with polished wooden floors and handmade, native wood furniture. You can whip up breakfast in one of the 2 large, cheery communal kitchens. The dorm rooms have three to seven beds a piece. It's a 15 min walk from town but on a bus route, and shops are close by. Pros: Pleasant garden to relax in, well heated in winter. Cons: Check in only between 8 am and 8 pm, no kids under 14, minimum stay requirements in Dec and Jan. Private rooms (some with en-suite), 4 dorm rooms. in room: no phone, no TV, no a/c, in hostel: kitchen, bar, public internet, laundry, parking, no kids under 14, MC/Visa." 2009

Want a room?

We are one of the most popular hostels in Christchurch.  To secure your bed we suggest you book ahead of time either by phone,  via our contact page, or use the Book Now button.

For Group Bookings for more than 10 guests please ONLY use our Group Booking Form

Both methods provide instant confirmation of a booking for your chosen dates.  If you want to take a look around first please visit our gallery by clicking here.

	*	Voted the best hostel in New Zealand for the last four out of five years
	*	Awarded a Thumbs Up Award by Lets Go Guidebook every year since 2002
	*	Winner of a BUG 4 Star Award
	*	2010 Hostelbookers Excellence Award for Cleanliness