- Free UNLIMITED WiFi
- ULTRAFAST FIBRE BROADBAND (no limits!).
- Netflix now available in our TV room!
Welcome to Jailhouse Accommodation Christchurch Hostel
The best budget backpacker accommodation in Christchurch!
We have been voted Top Backpacker Hostel in Oceania once again by Hostelworld guests this year, as well as being consistently highly recommended in Lonely Planet and Rough Guides.
Our renovated heritage accommodation has had a very fascinating history as the Addington Prison from 1874 to 1999, and since opening as a backpackers hostel in 2006 our amazing accommodation has become renowned as a must-stay in New Zealand on the backpacker circuit.
Our suburb of Addington has become an entertainment hub in Christchurch with awesome new cafés and bars having recently opened.
As well as being very close to the Railway Station, AMI Stadium, Horncastle Arena, Addington Raceway and Hagley Park.
The Jailhouse has rooms available to suit everyone and we welcome children, youth and adults of all ages to experience our special budget accommodation.
Our hostel is clean, warm and friendly with super-comfortable inner-sprung beds.
Call us now on 03 982 7777 or Click here to email Jailhouse Accommodation
History of Jailhouse
Accommodating people for over 140 years!
This important example of "Gothic Revival" architecture was built in 1874 under the guidance of Benjamin W. Mountfort, who also designed the Christchurch Cathedral, the Canterbury Museum and the Canterbury Provincial Council Chambers.
Constructed out of 60cm thick concrete, which at the time was a relatively new material, the building has survived in pristine condition.
When opened, the building catered for the needs of both sentenced and remand prisoners.
Over the years the building has been used as a jail, a woman's prison and a military camp.
The Mountfort cell block and remaining perimeter walls are scheduled as a protected item, for historical and architectural reasons, in the Christchurch City Plan.
The prison was closed in 1999, meaning all Christchurch Prisons were then located outside of the city boundaries. The prison lay empty until early 2006 when the building was bought by local couple Kirsty and Grant, who renovated the building and Jailhouse Accommodation opened in late 2006. The Jailhouse is now a top-rated, award-winning, budget backpacker hostel and a fine asset for Christchurch City.
