chippy64

At last, we are coming to NZ! My husband and eldest son (age 19) are staying, whilst for me and youngest it's a quick trip to validate and then returning back to UK. Youngest finishes his A levels in July and house still not sold .

So money will be incredibly tight. My OH and son need somewhere really cheap in ChCh to stay until things more settled - they need to send money home as well as keep themselves in NZ.

So, good people of Christchurch - any recommendations please? Thinking hostel or similar?

And yes, we know we are mad and no, it's not ideal but after going through so much, for so long, we would never forgive ourselves if we didn't at least give it a go!

Jan n Neil

Cheap ChCh accomodation may be hard to find at the mo as there are possibly 5000 families needing accomodation as there are uninhabitable houses after the earthquake.

Does it have to be ChCh? Oh yes, reading your sig, I guess perhaps it does.

People with rental homes are being urged to help out homeless families at the moment. Have you tried searching the internet?

saoghalbeag

cheapest place I could find was through Charlie B's backpackers in Madras St who had backpacker (ie: dingy, old) flats for $250 per week HOWEVER, Charlie B's has been shut since the quake so no idea re: flats. You could google their site and check? I had to go with this option as trying to get a week long stay in hostels proved difficult with a 4 year old.

A few hostels had cheaper rates if your OH wanted to try this? Dorset House is near the cbd (500m from casino) and they have weekly rates too. Foley Towers or others on Bealey Ave are also walking distance to cbd. Coachman Backpackers offered cheaper rate per night but not a weekly rate.

Hotels etc all tended to be around $400 plus for a weekly stay.

The other option is trying to get a short term let - ie: 3 months. I tried this with our current flat a) as it was cheaper than the hostel and much nicer place and b) I didn't have a job confirmed and for all I knew might have been moving out of ChCh BUT shortest they would do was 4 months, but saying that, the time has flown and I am now glad we have some breathing room before I have to deal with the lease again!

I found it very easy to get a flat too - didn't have to show any proof of income, just told them what I had and they believed me it feels a LOT more relaxed than Australia!! They even let you have the keys to go check out places on your own - not had that experience in Oz for a decade!!!

Check out realestate.co.nz and trade me, perhaps email some agents with your requirements and see if they can help?

As the other poster said, there are a few ppl looking for places atm but it doesn't appear to be affecting rentals in the cbd as there are more now than when I arrived (August) and still places for $200 or so (older style 1 or 2 br).

chippy64

Thanks for your help both of you - very sensible comments. OH is a carpenter, so hopefully he will be helping to rebuild ChCh very soon

rason

Go flatting. Meet people and cheap az

BEVS

hi there.
How lovely to hear from you.

We've used the YHA in Christchurch before now. It's possible to get a twin ensuite room
Both are open .

Kiwikid

If a single, or couple - I have a room to rent in my home, have had travellers staying since January 2009. Have had German, Czech, English. My home is in Halswell, 8km from the city.

harrogate girl

Hi I could also help out we live at Woodend he could have a room with his own bathroom till he gets sorted and a meal if required( my Husband works in the building trade) the best way to get is flatting is going to be the cheapest way I have a friend that has rooms, so just Pm me if you need help.