Finding a comfortable, self-catering place to stay without breaking the bank can sometimes be challenging in Christchurch—especially if you’re travelling with pets. However, in 2025, it doesn’t have to be complicated.
This list contains top self-catering accommodations scattered across Christchurch, conveniently close to the airport and city centre—so your pooch can join the journey, too! However, you need to book a reservation and check their check-in and check-out times on their website. They are also all wheelchair accessible and have express entry and exit.
Run through the list to make an informed decision.
Best Friendly Accommodation in Christchurch
#1:- Drifter Christchurch
Looking for an exquisite shared hostel or private hotel on your visit to Christchurch? Drifter is the perfect hybrid accommodation. It is absolutely new and super clean. And its interior is absolutely beautiful, stylish, and sophisticated, with sophisticated branding and design. It is in an enviable location at 96 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central City, in the city centre, close to the bus interchange or a 19-minute drive from the airport via Memory Avenue.
Luke Moran, LA Co CEO who oversees the accommodation, said, “We may not be the first brand to combine a hotel and hostel experience globally, but we are set to be the most remarkable,” which is precisely what they offer. The 4-star accommodation can accommodate up to 372 guests and contains 95 rooms, including 32 private suites and 63 shared bunk suites, all across four levels.
Private suites include two bedrooms, loft suites, family suites, queen suites, and king suites with pillows, hanger mirrors, and televisions. The shared bespoke bunk suites mostly have four—and eight-bed premium dorm suites with ensuites, some of which are female-only. Each bespoke bunk bed has a wall light, lockable storage, built-in power, and privacy curtains. However, minors are not permitted in the shared dorm.
The accommodation also has a social lounge where guests mingle with other travellers, a communal kitchen, a dining area, a cozy cinema for 8 pm movie night daily, laundry space, and a library. Also, there are multiple co-working spaces, offices, meeting rooms, and a wellness studio. Most visitors love the yoga and meditation sessions there. This accommodation has games, a recreation room, an open-air terrace, and a fire pit for relaxation and warmth. There is also a lift to the four floors, and importantly, the products used there are recyclable and biodegradable.
Many travellers love the great value for the price, the great location, the super friendly staff and 24-hour support services, the quietness of the accommodation, and the fact that it is close to so many tourist and fun establishments in the city, like the Holey Moley Golf Club Christchurch or South City Shopping Centre, a supermarket across the road, among several others. It’s currently rated 4.6/5.
Extra: The accommodation has digital access. It’s a simple app that allows you to check in, access the entry point and your room with a button, and view live updates of events and activities in the accommodation, such as weekly paint, game nights, and movie nights.
#2- Tuscana Motor Lodge
Tuscana is another fantastic 4-star Mediterranean-style lodging accommodation right at the city CBD. It’s known for its sparkling cleanliness and superior furnishing. Getting there from CBD is easy – just a 5-minute walk and a 15-minute drive to its location on 74 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch Central City, via Memorial Avenue. You can park in the free off-street parking area. They cater to all categories of people, but the rooms are not available for smoking. You must also inform them you are coming with pets while making reservations. If you are coming in a group, there are discounts for groups.
There are just 12 rooms in this accommodation, and all the rooms have comfortable beds. You can book from a one-bedroom suite, one-bedroom spa, two bedrooms (suitable for families of up to 6 people), and a queen studio suite. On arrival, you can start by having a shower or using the spa units. The rooms are self-catering and have high chairs and cots, television sets, sky 50+ channels, laundry facilities, free wifi, storage cabinets, dining areas, and lightning. There is also an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, electric blanket, kitchenettes with fridge, convection microwave oven, and electric frypan (hotplate available on request). Housekeeping services are provided daily.
The motel offers guests a daily continental breakfast or tasty grill barbeque at the grill spot. You can also relax on the balcony or patio and outdoor sitting areas. And if you feel bored, you can walk to tourist spots close by, including Hugley Park, walk the kids to Margaret Mahy Playground, or the Christchurch Cathedral, the city’s Botanical Garden, Addington raceway, canterbury Museum, or board the Christchurch Tram. Fill up your belly with tasty meals in restaurants on New Regent Street during your walk. The accommodation offers a free tour booking service and travel advice if you are still confused.
Your hosts, Grant and Vivienne McWhirter, are very friendly and supportive, and their work has not gone unnoticed, making them scoop the 2008 Winner Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Award. The accommodation is rated 4.7/5 by guests, and many of them find the room spacious, with many parking spaces. The accommodation is on the roadside, but guests say they can sleep well, and there is no noise.
#3:- Garden City Motel
Garden City Motel is a 3-star accommodation fondly called home away from home. It’s a wonderful place to stay outside your comfort zone. Many guests return due to the motel’s excellent service and welcoming atmosphere. The motel caters to couples, business professionals, families, and sporting teams. It’s on 242 Main North Road, close to the city centre. It’s a 10-minute drive from Christchurch Airport via Sawyers Arms Road. The motel offers a complimentary airport shuttle if you request it.
Common facilities you have access to in each self-contained sound-insulated room include an ensuite bathroom, complimentary toiletries, towels, free WiFi, 42″ plasma TV, 6 Sky TV channels (some include sports channels), tea/coffee-making facilities, microwave, fridge/freezer, heat pump/air conditioning, storage, and free local and national phone calls. More facilities and different bed sizes are also available depending on the room you pick. The motel has two wheelchair-access units. Further, the rooms are smoke-free areas.
Guests can have fun over board games or relax in the garden or outdoor space. The area also has many centres of attractions, including St Bede’s College, the Northlands mall that hosts the HOYT cinema, and some gaming centres. There are also several top-class restaurants, Orana Park and the International Antarctic Centre, and mini golf courses within a 5 km radius of the motel.
Guests rate this motel 4.5/5 and believe it is in a great location. It is super warm and has lots of seating, ample pillows and bedding, and a nice hot shower. The room is comfortable and tidy, and the bathroom is spotless. The kitchen and dining items are well stocked in the cupboard. Also, the lounge and beds are comfy, and the staff are excellent and friendly. It is quiet. There is a lovely spa bath. Dogs are welcome.
Extra: Garden City Motel has received the Green Leaders award for its efforts to manage the motel with ecological sensitivity. It has also received an award from the Christchurch Beautifying Association for its harmonious companion planting of herbs, flowers, and vegetables.
#4:- Cranford Cottages & Motel
The fourth spot is the Cranford Cottages and Motel, a rare garden-like accommodation for business and leisure travellers. Choose from their executive studio, one-bedroom apartment, standard cottage, or superior options. These options have single, queen, or king-sized beds. Each option offers unique benefits—just book your stay. It’s at 63 Cranford Street, a 5-minute drive to the city centre and a 14-minute drive from Christchurch Airport via Cranford Street.
You will feel at home on arrival, as all you need is available. The room has an air conditioning system, and you can change the temperature. You can also watch your favourite shows while relaxing in your room. To top it off, a wake-up service/alarm clock can wake you up so you do not run late for the next appointment. There is also a high-speed Wi-Fi service that helps you stay updated.
Enjoy complimentary instant coffee, baggage storage, a clothes dryer, self-serve laundry, private bathrooms, a hair dryer, and wheelchair-accessible cottages. The hotel also has a first-aid kit, smoke alarms in each room, and, most importantly, a well-lit parking area—among many other amenities to make your stay worthwhile.
The accommodation also has a dining area and a full kitchen setup already available for you, including a stove, breakfast-making facilities, microwave oven, refrigerator, electric kettle, and other kitchenware. In terms of surroundings, the garden is super lovely, with beautiful flowers and trees where you can sit and relax while gazing at nature.
Your furry friend will surely love this place as they offer pet-friendly cottages where you and your pet could have a good time. They welcome cats and dogs only. Your pet will also have access to provided food and water bowls. Service animals stay for free, but bringing your pet costs just NZD 15 per stay.
Visitors have this to say after their experience at Cranford Cottages & Motel, which is currently rated 4.5/5: Very comfortable self-contained cottage, good location, friendly staff, cute and cozy cottages with so much privacy it hardly feels like you’re at a motel! The biggest positive was that we could bring our dog for the stay.
#5:- Northcote Motor Lodge
For a comfortable and family-friendly stay in Christchurch, try out Northcote Motor Lodge. It’s just a 14-minute drive from Christchurch Airport via Sawyers Arms Road and 13 minutes from Christchurch CBD. Suitable for sporting teams, corporate travellers, and families.
Your hosts, Gary and Donna, ensure that every room is well-maintained, leaving you wanting nothing for your stay while offering a cozy, pet-friendly stay. The two-floor lodge has 16 soundproofed rooms, each equipped with a crib, microwave, fruit bowl, toaster, refrigerator, free Wi-Fi, and kitchen facilities. The housekeepers also ensure that the rooms and surroundings are well maintained, including the sitting patio area, where you can relax.
There is also a spacious playground and a childcare service (although this comes with additional charges). You can also explore the library, where you can borrow different books or continue reading your own. The motel is wheelchair-accessible (registration required). When booking a room, ask for pet-friendly rooms, as pets are prohibited in all rooms. There is also a spacious free parking space.
Breakfast is served daily from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at an additional cost, or you can dine at Coastern Tavern across the road for pub meals and live sports. Nearby attractions include Hagley Park Cricket, the International Antarctic Centre, and Orana Wildlife Park.
Guests rate this 3-star accommodation 4.6/5, praising its spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and spotless cleanliness—just like home. Northcote Motor Lodge is an excellent choice for a cozy and well-maintained stay.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy your stay in any of the pet-friendly 3-star or 4-star accommodations we have compiled for your next visit this year. Also, find time to take your pets around the beautiful Garden City. Remember to share your experiences about these locations in the comment section.
Last modified: February 13, 2025
