About Us

About Dorset House Backpackers

Dorset House offers top quality affordable budget accommodation in Christchurch.

Click on our video to see our facilities and location

Our beautiful former Victorian guest house is nestled between the city's most vibrant restaurant-bar district and the tranquil Botanic Gardens. It's the ideal location from which to explore post-earthquake Christchurch. We are pleased to offer quality hostel guest beds and rooms with free unlimited WiFi throughout the hostel, all at fantastic budget prices. 

The house was built in 1871 as a private home. It now serves as a boutique backpackers hostel and was internally refurbished in early 2012 and externally repainted in 2015. Dorset House offers heritage charm that you don't get at other hostels.

We offer free off-street car parking, kitchen, lounge and laundry facilities, a travel bookings desk, friendly staff and late check-in. For a full list see our facilities and services page.

Our Rooms 

We offer quality budget accommodation in double rooms, twin rooms, single rooms, five bed dorm rooms (single beds, no bunks!), and also 4, 6 & 8 bed bunk dorms. We even offer a sunny family room (one double, one single)! Private rooms have LCD TV. The beds in the private rooms and 5 bed dorms are fully made. Please note that the bunk dorm's have the fitted sheet on the bed and the flat sheet folded with the duvet at the end of the bed. We offer free unlimited WiFi access throughout the entire hostel. 

Location 

Dorset House is located in a quiet street in the central city. So close to everything - just 2-4 minutes from the airport bus, 5 minutes from local bus services, 10 minutes from the Naked Bus depot and 25 minutes from the Bus Exchange (Intercity/Atomic National Bus Depot). Alternatively, you can catch the local bus at the end of our street taking you to the Bus Exchange. 

It's 30 seconds to leafy Hagley Park. You can walk to Merivale or Riccarton for shopping, pubs, supermarkets and dining, or enjoy the cafes, restaurants and bars 2 minutes away on Victoria St. Walk 8 minutes to the Museum, Botanic Gardens & i-Site Visitor Information or just a little further to the new Cashel Mall 'Restart' Shopping Precinct. 

Discounts & Benefits When Booking Direct

FREE unlimited WiFi throughout the hostel!
No booking fees.
Our website offers the same rates you’ll find on any other travel site (other websites often don't display New Zealand dollars).
It is simple, quick and secure to book via our booking system.
We can assist with requests such as adjoining rooms or bookings with children.
It’s easier to amend or cancel bookings that are made direct. 

Meet Our Team

Rosey
Rosey works at Dorset House full time as the hostel manager. Originally from New Zealand, she has lived overseas for 5 years and has returned to Christchurch last year. She loves the city, the hills and all the outdoor activities Christchurch has on offer! She has traveled around and has always loved staying in backpackers all over the world.

Our Reception and Housekeeping Team
Heather, Taylor, Danny and Charmaine are our receptionists and our housekeepers. You'll see them around, working hard to look after our guests and to keep the house sparkling clean. They love to meet our travellers, so say hi and ask them for their recommendations on what's happening in Christchurch. 

Michelle and Steve
Michelle, along with her husband Steve, are the owners of Dorset House. They bought the house in 2006 and have worked hard to develop it into a wonderful hostel accommodation experience. Michelle does mostly behind the scenes work, as well as caring for a young family.

Anne-Marie
Anne-Marie is the wonderful gardener here at Dorset House. She has two very green thumbs. You may see her about pruning roses and maintaining the various plants in the garden. She creates the beautiful floral backdrop that surrounds Dorset House, and is proud of her 100% organic garden - no pesticides! Anne-Marie will be happy to tell you about her garden if you'd like to know, just ask. 

Rachel
Rachel is our financial whiz, she takes care of the accounts and general number-crunching in the office. She lives in Christchurch with her husband and is mum to two gorgeous kids. You probably won't see much of Rachel, but she occasionally pops up in reception now and then. 

Max

Around Dorset House you may spot Michelle and Steve's kitten Max. He loves the attention of guests, and will quite often make himself comfortable in the shared common areas- or comfy on the staffs keyboards!