What makes it 61% Kids-Friendly: A family room, arcade games, and free parking suit school-age kids, but no playground, shared showers, and a rule against children in dorms reduce ease and entertainment on site.
Why 1-2 nights visit duration is ideal for with kids: 1–2 nights give families time to enjoy the unique rooms and nearby parks without rushing.
Stay in a Family Room:
Sleep in an authentic former jail cell fitted with one double and two single beds.
Tip: Request a top-floor room for quieter nights away from the common areas.
Play in the Game Room:
Challenge each other at pool, darts, and arcade games in the hostel’s own recreation area.
Tip: Visit after breakfast to beat the after-school crowd.
Relax in the Netflix Lounge:
Curl up as a family to watch movies on large screens with free streaming services.
Tip: Bring your kids’ favorite snacks to make it a mini movie night.
Grab a Treat at the Coffee Shop:
Taste local pastries and barista-made coffee just steps from reception.
Tip: Order iced drinks in summer and hot chocolate for the kids on cooler days.
Cook in the Guest Kitchen:
Use the fully equipped kitchen to prepare family-friendly meals at your own pace.
Tip: Buy fresh produce at the Addington local market nearby to save on dining out.
Walk to Margaret Mahy Playground:
Let the kids explore slides, flying fox, and water play at New Zealand’s largest free playground.
Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid peak crowds and snag the best parking near the gate.

Rich Bell
Fantastic hostel! Has lots of character, very clean, good facilities and beds were comfortable. The app based key locks worked very well. As the rooms are former cells you don't get much room but it adds to the experience! The No 7 bus stops about 300m away and is a short ride from the city centre.
Justine Lapert
We had a great stay at Jailhouse Accommodation in Christchurch. The staff were kind, helpful, and friendly. It’s honestly one of the cleanest hostel I’ve ever stayed in. The common areas were spacious, practical, really comfortable to use and not too busy. Everything went smoothly, and the two cats at the entrance were such a lovely bonus! We loved the fun cat-themed touches around the place. High...
Piet
The accommodation was fantastic! I stayed here for 2.5 months and it was a really good stay. The hostel is clean, the staff is nice and the prison theme is really cool. If you want a special hostel experience, this should be your choice in Christchurch.
Greta Divander
Quite a long walk from the city, but if you don’t have anything against that I would recommend it! Nice kitchen and common areas, and the room’s are clean. Most of the staff stayed at the hostel as well, so we got the feeling that they were a had become a big friend group who were a little bit hard to talk to. Other than that it was a nice hostel for a good price!
maxime van strijp
Really friendly staff! Such a cool and unique experience staying in a former jailhouse. It’s a bit outside the city center, but there are a few places to eat nearby. The kitchen is well-equipped, and the bathrooms are clean. There are two TV rooms, and you can also do your laundry here. I’d definitely recommend staying!
Summer (Dec–Feb) brings mild days perfect for park visits; in winter (Jun–Aug), pack warm layers and enjoy cozy indoor games.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family Room (per night) | NZD 92 |
| Coffee & Snacks (per day) | NZD 30 |
| Margaret Mahy Playground | NZD 0 |
| Family Avon River punt tour | NZD 130 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 374 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: 338 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand
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