Spent two nights at Base in June 2009. Even though it was mid-winter the hostel was almost fully booked when we arrived so pre-booking is essential all year really. The hostel is in the most central location of all in Christchurch, it is on Cathedral Square, not even something the 'Coachman on the Square' backpackers can boast (they are NOT... more

I attended a bookcrossing convention in Chch and the Base was recommended to me by the committee. As a mature traveller I was a little apprehensive about staying in a busy, shared place but it worked out really well. The Sanctuary is on the first floor, accessible with keycard only and theoretically girls only (although occasionally some blokes were let... more

As a lone female travelling around New Zealand, safety was my top priority, so upon arriving in at Base in Christchurch I asked for one of the Sanctuary female only dorms. These dorms were very secure, needing a key just to get into the corridor let alone the rooms! The staff were very kind and helpful, and my dorm (for... more

RECEPTION: Was always overflowing with people requiring us to line up for a long time in order to check in and out. Made it difficult to ask them for directions or recommendations. ROOM: My husband and I stayed in an a double room with shared bathroom. Our room was overlooking the beergarden next door and had VERY LOUD live music... more

I wasn't keen to stay at a hostel having been in a hotel (for only $9 more a night) but my companion insisted because she had stayed in the Base in Wellington and loved it. This one, she agreed, was the complete opposite. Firstly we were checked into a dirty room. We waited for it to be cleaned only to... more