Shop

The Shop at reception has a selection of convenience items that are available for you to purchase. This includes: batteries, condoms, stamps, postcards, phone cards, tampons, throat tablets, breakfast packs, blank CDs, sunscreen, Panadol, toothbrushes, toothpaste, washing powder, WiFi, maps, envelopes and mouth wash.

The shop is open from 8am-6pm daily and payment can be made by cash, credit card (Visa and MasterCard) and Eftpos.

Luggage Storage

If you intend to take a trip for a few days and wish to leave behind some items that you may have no need for, you may store your luggage free of charge at Dorset House, as long as you have booked to stay here on your return. 

If you wish to store your luggage and do not intend to stay upon your return then a daily fee of $2 per bag applies (casual luggage storage service).

On your day of departure from Dorset House you are welcome to store your luggage with us during the day, while you explore Christchurch, and collect it later the same day (before 6pm) to meet your onward travel arrangements.

Post Box

Writing letters and postcards is a great way of keeping friends and family up to date while travelling.  The post box is located in reception and is cleared daily.  You can also purchase stamps, postcards and envelopes from the shop if required.

Breakfast

A continental breakfast can be purchased from reception and it is a great way to start the day for those early bird departures. The breakfast includes bread, jam, margarine, vegemite, muesli, juice and milk.

Notice Boards

The notice board located in the hostel reception area is used mainly for messages from the hostel to guests including phone messages, lost property, local events and any other important issues.

The notice board located in the hostel lounge is mainly for guest to guest communication. If you wish to buy or sell a car or would like to find a travel companion, then this notice board is the one for you. It’s free and anyone can display their adverts. We keep all ads up for at least two weeks. 

After Hours Check In

If you expect to arrive at Dorset House Backpackers after our reception has closed we can arrange an after hours check in for you. You will receive the door access code prior to your arrival. When you arrive, you will find an envelope with your room key and instructions to your room left on the reception counter for you.

Early Check In

If you arrive at Dorset House Backpackers before our check in time of 3pm we are happy to store your bags securely at reception until your room is ready. You can then either go for a walk to our local cafes, Hagley Park or the city centre, or alternatively relax in the lounge with a book or DVD until your room is available. 

Travel Information

On your arrival our reception staff can provide you with a local map and are happy to point out attractions and amenities within Christchurch city.

The guest lounge has a large selection of brochures to help you decide what activities are for you. Activities range from skiing/snowboarding at Mount Hutt or Porter Heights, white water rafting down the Rangitata River, sky diving and paragliding, hot air balloon flights over Canterbury, horse trekking around Banks Peninsula and many more!

For Hire

If you wish to make the most of Christchurch and its gorgeous surrounds, you may want to look into the possibility of hiring bikes to view the city, or a picnic set to take to the beach or the park. Alarm clocks are available if you need to wake up early. Other items for hire include: hairdryers, bathrobes, towels, iPod charger, DVD, mobile phone chargers, travel adaptors and battery chargers.

Book Exchange

Tired of lugging around books you have already devoured? In the lounge there is a book case full of books, where you can offload your books and choose something else to nose through. Exchange those familar books for something new and exciting!

Mail Forwarding

You may use Dorset House as a temporary address and we will forward any mail for you to a specific address here in New Zealand or abroad. If there is a cost involved you will be notified and your credit card will be charged accordingly. We hold mail items for guests for a maximum of 1 month, after this time items will be returned to sender.

Freight Receiver

Dorset House will receive freight on your behalf and store until your arrival. Any packaging will have to be disposed of by you.