Housing in Ōtautahi

20 Jan

Finding the right place to live can feel stressful, especially if you’re dealing with sudden changes, financial pressure, or safety concerns. The best housing option for you will depend on your situation, family size, income, and what you need right now. There’s no “one right choice” — it’s about what is safe, suitable, and realistic for you.

Types of Housing Options

There are many different accommodation options available, each offering different levels of stability and cost:

Ownership – Buying a home, usually with a mortgage.
Private rentals – Renting from a landlord or property manager.
Social and community housing – Long‑term, subsidised housing for people with high needs.
Transitional housing – Short‑term housing with support services while you look for something more permanent.
Boarding or flatting – Renting a room in a shared home.
Motels, backpacker hostels, or caravan parks – Often used for short‑term or emergency stays.
Men’s & women’s shelters – Safe accommodation for adults (no children).
Women & children’s shelters – For people leaving family violence situations.

Each option has different rules, costs, and availability, so it’s helpful to think about what fits your needs right now.

What Work & Income Can Help With

Work and Income (WINZ) can support people who are struggling to find or afford housing. Depending on your situation, you may be able to get:

Emergency Housing Grant
Bond Grant
Rent in Advance Grant
Rent Arrears Grant
Moving Costs Grant
Tenancy Costs Cover
Transition to Alternative Housing Grant

These supports depend on eligibility, so it’s important to talk to WINZ about your situation. If you find accommodation through a non‑registered provider, ask WINZ whether they can still help with costs.

Shelters in Christchurch

Ōtautahi Christchurch has two main shelters offering urgent accommodation and support. Both are drug‑ and alcohol‑free.

Christchurch City Mission – Men’s & Women’s Shelters

Address: 276–284 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central
Phone: 03 365 0635 or 0800 787 855. Accommodation is free for the first week, then a weekly fee, including breakfast. It’s best to speak with the Duty Social Worker on site to check availability.

Salvation Army – Men’s Shelter

Address: 62 Poulson Street, Addington
Phone: 03 338 5154 For men aged 18+. A small fee is charged. Call ahead for an interview or assessment.

Other Helpful Options

If you’re looking for temporary or low‑cost accommodation:

CamperMate or Rankers Camping NZ apps show campsites, free camping spots, dog‑friendly areas, and public showers/toilets.
OrangeSky NZ offers free laundry and shower services for people experiencing homelessness or hardship. Locations: https://orangesky.org.nz/our-locations/
For flatting options, try: Roomies.co.nz, NZflatmates.co.nz, Roomgo.co.nz, Roomieapartments.co.nz, Flatshare.co.nz, or TradeMe.

If you have whānau elsewhere in New Zealand, WINZ may help with relocation costs, though this is usually recoverable.

How The Loft Can Help You

The Loft can support you in finding safe and suitable accommodation by helping you understand your options and connecting you with the right services. While we’re not a housing provider, we can guide you toward organisations, shelters, and agencies that offer practical help. If you’d like support exploring what might work for you, Contact Us and our team can walk alongside you as you take your next steps.

Kath Stewart