Frequently Asked Questions
Can we check-in late at night?
Our reception is open 24 hours, which means there is always someone here to help.
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What time of year is the best to visit Christchurch?
Christchurch is beautiful all year round. Labelled the Garden City. Temperatures get to around 26C (77F) in summer and drop to around 4C (39F) in winter (lower than this at night time so ask if you are booking a room with an electric blanket!)
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Do I need to book in advance or can I just walk-in and get a room?
We always advise booking in advance, particularly in the peak season of Christmas to Easter. You can book via our website, by email or by phone ++64 3 379 4620
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Are the rooms serviced daily?
Motels and Studios are serviced every day except Sundays and Public Holidays when we leave you to relax without disturbance.
Tourist Flats and Apartments are serviced weekly. Each contains their own laundry facilities.
Backpacker Private Rooms have their bins emptied daily and are serviced every four days.
Fresh towels can be exchanged at Reception.
Extra servicing can be arranged through Reception for an additional charge.
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What day trips can I do from Christchurch?
There are a number of places you can visit from Christchurch including parts of Christchurch itself such as Sumner beach, or Bottle Lake Forest. Venturing a little further afield will take you to
Akaroa which is a very picturesque, small coastal village about an hour and a half's drive from Christchurch. Lord Lyttleton's son once said of it ‘If ever my heart is broken, I will surely return to Akaroa for it to be mended'.
Hanmer is a small inland town, with its own thermal resort. Great to soak in a hot pool.
Kaikoura from the mountains to the sea, prime spot for some Whale Watching.
Check out our Starter Packs to make your arrival in Christchurch as simple as possible.
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Is my accommodation type in the same building as all the others?
No. Each accommodation type is located in a different building. Though our bar and travel desk are shared by all our guests. That's what gives us such a unique and friendly atmosphere.
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How far is Stonehurst from Christchurch airport?
10kms, about a 20 minute taxi or 20-30 minutes in a Shuttle. We recommend Super Shuttle and our Front Desk Staff can book this for you if you are leaving from Christchurch Airport.
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How much does it cost from the airport to Stonehurst?
Taxis cost about $35, Shuttles are around $17 for one person and $21 for two, both of these options will bring you directly to our door. There is a local bus which costs $7.50 and goes through Cathedral Square (the centre of Christchurch) and that's about a seven-10 minute walk from Stonehurst depending on how heavy your bags are.
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Can I walk to the Convention Centre?
Yes. The Christchurch Convention Centre is only four blocks from Stonehurst.
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Can I use my modem in your guest rooms?
Yes, in all Apartment and Motels rooms. Check on reservation about the Backpacker rooms.
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Does Stonehurst have rooms for families?
We have a number of different options from our self-contained Apartments, to our Motels and even some of our Backpacker rooms.
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Please tell me the location of restaurants close to Stonehurst
There are heaps of restaurants of all varieties within a few minutes walk. From Haute Cuisine to Street Vendors, we've got the lot. Ask our Front Desk Staff. Our brochure has a local map with top spots featured.
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Does the Hotel have spa baths/a gym/swimming pool facilities?
We have a solar heated swimming pool and are just round the corner from Centennial Leisure Centre with pool, gym, sauna, spa and steam room.
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Where are the local walking tracks?
We are a short walk to Hagley Park - New Zealand's largest city park (there's even a golf course). Christchurch has a number of superb walking, jogging and mountain biking tracks - you can even gondola up and mountain bike down!
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Where is the shopping?
Christchurch has a variety of shopping and some great markets. Weekend shopping hours are from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm Saturday. 10.00 am to 3.00 pm Sunday. Ask our Front Desk staff for what's on and where's best.
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What are the local tourist attractions?
Well there's the Cathedral of course - that's about a seven minute walk from Stonehurst and is the central point of Christchurch City. Christchurch Art Gallery is a relatively new building - tell us what you think, as it's a talking point amongst locals. The Robert McDougall Museum and Art Gallery has some great exhibits including a reconstructed 19th century street. There is so much to see and do in Christchurch we couldn't fit it all in this page - jet boating, rafting, sky diving, hot air ballooning, horse trekking, tramping, visiting the Antarctic (well the Centre anyway), punting on the Avon River, paragliding, not to mention shopping, eating, drinking and much, much more. Coffee in New Zealand is something all coffee lovers must try.
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Do you have internet/email access?
Stonehurst has both guest and wireless internet throughout the complex.
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Tell me about the Interisland ferries and Tranzscenic trains.
Ferries run regularly between Picton on the South Island (aka The Mainland) and Wellington on the North Island (including high speed ferries). It is wise to book ahead, especially if you want the best deals. Stonehurst is one of only a few registered agents in Christchurch for the Interislander Ferries and for Tranzscenic Trains and has been for over 10 years now. Scenery is wonderful!
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Can I hire bicycles, scooters and cars?
All vehicles from trucks to bicycles can be hired locally. Ask our Front Desk Staff.
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Do you take travellers' cheques?
We accept travellers' cheques as payment only if they are in New Zealand dollars. There are a number of money exchange agencies within walking distance of Stonehurst.
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What credit cards do you accept?
We accept all major international credit cards.
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What should I wear in Christchurch?
Even in Summer, bring some warm clothing. A sweater is a good idea, and a warm jacket or coat. Summer temps range from about 14C to 26C (57F - 77F) and in Winter they drop to around 4C (39F) and lower than this overnight. We get beautiful frosts and very occasionally snow will settle in the City. Also Christchurch is close to the beach so bring togs (swimsuit) in summer and a warm sweater for Winter beach walks.
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Do you have baths?
Our Three Bedroom Apartments all have baths and our One Bedroom Motel Suites have spa baths! Relax and unwind.
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Are you close to theatres/entertainment venues?
We are within walking distance of all the main theatres, Theatre Royal, Court Theatre, and you can walk to four cinemas. Christchurch's home of rugby is held at AMI Stadium and is a 20 minute walk. Westpac Stadium, where many concerts are held, is ten minutes in a taxi.
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Where can we get snow chains?
Chains can be hired from many petrol stations, especially those around the ski fields. Most car hire companies will rent chains as well. Check out our Winter car hire package in our Starter Packs.
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Where is the closest supermarket?
Stonehurst is located in central Christchurch and is within walking distance of supermarkets, shops and restaurants. Just ask our staff for directions.
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How old is Stonehurst?
Stonehurst Hotel was established in 1926. The current owners have had it since 1984 and has grown from one building to an eclectic group of buildings reflecting New Zealand architecture from the 1930's through to today.
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How far away is Queenstown?
Queenstown is about a seven hour drive, an eight hour bus ride or about 45 minute flight. See our Adventure and Travel shop about getting you the best deal on transport, accommodation and activities.
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Do you have wireless connection?
The whole site is cabled for wireless internet connection.
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Can you help with travel bookings and advice?
We certainly can – our Front Desk staff book activities, transport and accommodation all round New Zealand. Whether you've already made your decision and just need to book it, or if you are looking for advice and suggestions on what to do our Travel Desk staff can help – chances are we've done it ourselves!
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Do you have a dump station?
Yes and this is free to use for our Campervan guests.
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Do you have storage facilities?
We have short-term storage for early arrivals or late departures and secured long-term storage for any luggage you don't want to take on tour with you. Ask our Front Desk staff when you check-in.
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"Enjoy a warm welcome at Stonehurst Accommodation, Christchurch."
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