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If you’re looking for a unique stay in New Zealand, then this is it. Situated in the suburb of Addington, The Jailhouse Accommodation Christchurch is a genuine former prison and certainly not your average hostel. Naturally, as someone who seeks out the offbeat I knew I wanted to stay here whilst I was in Christchurch.
Jailhouse Accommodation Christchurch History
The Jailhouse served as a prison from 1874 to 1999. It was constructed out of 60cm thick concrete and has survived in pristine condition, so pretty strong and built for purpose!
After closing in 1999, all Christchurch Prisons were located outside of the city boundaries. This particular prison remained empty until 2006 when it was renovated and became the budget backpacker hostel that it is today.
Staying at The Jailhouse Accommodation Christchurch
The hostel is clean, warm and friendly yet still retains its eerie prison atmosphere. Elements such as the large staircase in the middle, which is just like you would see in the movies, add to this ambience.
Naturally, the rooms are all former prison cells. They are all tiny and, if I’m honest, a little claustrophobic. However, this is not a bad thing as you would be disappointed if they had gone in there and knocked a few walls down while renovating and taken away its quirky appeal.
We stayed in room 21. This was a private room with a double bed and not a lot else. There are also twin and single rooms as well as shared dorms.
One of the coolest things about room 21 was that it was that right next door in room 20. Room 20 was the “show room”. This room has been left untouched and is preserved to how it was after the last prisoner left. You can see the inmate’s art all over the walls, although it is protected by glass, giving it a bit of a museum feel. These artworks are unique to the prison and will never be seen elsewhere.
There’s also another cell at the back of the building which has been left in its jailhouse state. This room didn’t have much of interest to look at and if I’m honest, it really gave me the creeps.
I was glad to see a bit of history about the place and loved the little touches such as the glass cabinet and the cell downstairs with artifacts from the jail’s history in them. For a bit of humour beyond the dark history, you can find costumes and mugshot back drop in the reception area for guests to muck about and take a few ‘guilty’ selfies with.
Facilities at The Jailhouse
Even though you’re staying in jail, you want a few creature comforts. There is free wifi. During our stay this was only available in the public spaces but may have changed since then. There is a decent sized kitchen, hot showers and off-street parking. Parking is free but on a first-come basis – handy to know if you are planning a road trip around the South Island. There’s also a tv room, games and laundry facilities, amongst other things.
Good to know: the jail features actually make this one of the most secure and safest hostels in Christchurch.
Where is the quirkiest hostel in Christchurch?
The Jailhouse can be found in the suburb of Addington. There are places to eat nearby if you don’t fancy cooking or going into the city centre. We spent a day in Christchurch and it was around a 30 minute walk to reach the centre, but it was a pleasant walk alongside Hagley Park.
If you wish to take public transport, the number 7 bus takes you to the central bus exchange. The train stations is also a short walk away from the hostel. The Jailhouse is located just a 15-20 minute drive from Christchurch airport too.
Verdict
Did I enjoy my stay? Guilty!
I would recommend The Jailhouse Accommodation as a good base to stay in Christchurch. Despite being slightly out of the city centre, it was still a pleasant stroll and its proximity to the airport more than makes up for this if you’re someone who needs to be in the heart of the action. I found the hostel to be clean and quiet, so party hostel this isn’t! I appreciated how the building had been renovated to retain an authentic, historical feel yet with modern amenities and comforts. If you’re looking for your own quirky accommodation in New Zealand, then advanced booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
The Jailhouse is worth it even for the novelty factor alone! Plus it gives you a great story to tell your friends when you get home.
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[…] you liked this, then you’ll probably like the time I stayed in a jail in New Zealand. What’s the quirkiest place you’ve stayed at? Leave me a comment […]