Making it easy to connect with local art, events, and community.

Our loft apartment sits above XCHC and gives guests an inside look at the creative people and products in our city; an experience.


How we’re doing things differently

In 2017, our venue manager moved into the loft and turned it into the cozy place it is now. He wrote this blog to share his story and why he decided instead of playing rent to a landlord, he’d rather pay it to a community arts project. He quickly realized it should be a place for others to enjoy.

Most people traveling want local, and more interesting/authentic experience (like the chef coming up to bake in your kitchen every morning).
On the other hand, Christchurch wants to attract more creatives and artists to the city, but cost is often a barrier. This lead to our current financial model, where funds from Airbnb are used to make the space free or more affordable to visiting artists and social entrepreneurs. In exchange for their stay, they’re invited to leave us a gift or host an event, exhibition, or workshop for our community.

Most of the art is from previous artists who have stayed with us and wanted to say thank you by leaving their art behind for others to enjoy.

Where do you want your money to go when you travel? Someone’s pocket, or, a better experience for yourself and others?

Where do you want your money to go when you travel? Someone’s pocket, or, a better experience for yourself and others?

THE LOFT

•Private bedroom
•En-suite
•Full kitchen
•Lounge area with desk-space.

The loft is quiet and private.  The bedroom has a comfortable queen bed and full bathroom . The upstairs lounge area has plenty of natural light and includes a corner workspace and full kitchen.

what our guests say

"Wow! This place is quite a find. The room itself is really nice and the shower is one of the best I've experienced in Australasia...period! The real treat is the cafe below which is not only a great space with wonderful/friendly people but also a nice place to get snacks. For the love of god try some of their Nepalese dumplings! As if all that isn't enough...when you get home in the afternoon the upstairs - where the room is located - smells of baked goods from the morning (I got apple turnover during my stay...quite lovely). Can't recommend enough." - Scott

“Want to be inspired, have some insight into the amazing artists out there, then stay here and be accommodated in the midst of it all. Thank you Preston & Brie for your hospitality...food & coffee is superb too.” Jane

“This is a unique spot for the travelling arts and crafts lover, where the accommodation is above an inclusive, cooperative environment with cafe, bar and art workers' spaces... All in all, highly recommended for the liberal, arty, eco-conscious and sociable type of guest who prefers a scene with a vibe, to a neutral hotel. ” - Eve

"The loft was clean and bright, had plenty of space, and was situated right on top of a great coffee shop with vegan options (bonus!)" - Jennifer

The cafe and event space below were a wonderful plus - we were able to drink delicious tea on the couch while observing local events. I would highly recommend this accommodation!!! - Julia

Such a great place to stay! Comfortable bed, nice kitchen, great atmosphere, good conversation, inspiring space! Preston and Brie were so welcoming, you'll never be in need of anything. - Kathy

The Zeiser Room offers a very unique Airbnb experience combining artistic hues and practicality, as guests enjoy a beautifully decorated ensuite bedroom and kitchen access, and are steps away from great food and music downstairs. You will wake up hungry every morning from the delicious food being prepared in the kitchen as well. As a sidenote, we loved the water pressure and hot water in the shower. - Woongki

What a way to pop my Airbnb cherry! The Pickle Factory provded more than just a place to lay your head, but also an inspiring venue where you are surrounded by incredible art, delicious food and fabulous coffee! Waking up to the smell of fresh scones...whats not to like!!!! Also loved the Ethique soap - has changed my thought on packaging! Am totes converted to a bar of shampoo and conditioner! Cant recommend this place enough, although good luck getting a booking as I plan to move in perminantly every time I'm in Chch. - Claire

Lovely modern apartment that holds everything you need and more. Very comfy bed!! Good location near the city centre. Very quirky(in a good way!)and enjoyable staying above a art gallery/cafe that does great coffee! Thank you ... for being a fantastic host and making sure we had everything we needed and more and for being very welcoming and helping us with great ideas of things to do around Christchurch. We will definitely be recommending this place for anyone visiting Christchurch :) - Cydnei

AMENITITES

In addition to featuring works by resident artists, we feature local and sustainable products wherever possible.

• Corner desk/workspace
• Air conditioning & heating
• Essential body care & cleaning products.

• Fibre WIFI
• Washer & dryer
• Ironing board


SOME THINGS TO NOTE...

• Private entry separate from the venue below.  
• No access to the downstairs gallery/bar/cafe once it is closed.
• The kitchen is used by our chef for baking in the mornings.
• No smoking inside
• No animals

GETTING AROUND

The loft is 15min -30min walking distance to grocery stores and the Central City.  The bus is convenient to the central city and many suburbs. Christchurch has a great metro bike share and electric scooters that can get you from 1 side of the city to the other in 30minutes flat.
There is one private car-park behind the building and free parking on the street.. The airport shuttle is quick and affordable.

The Cost

XCHC is a not-for-profit, and the purpose is to support the development of creative practices/activities in the city. We sustain this by charging for our spaces where/when possible, and offering it to creative purposes when it is not.

For tourists & travellers:
You can reserve your stay here on Airbnb! You will be welcomed and shown appreciation for investing in our community and our future.

For artists & creatives:
Lets talk about what you’re looking for and how you might contribute to XCHC if not financially. We’ve hosted emerging artists who couldn’t afford anything, and established artists from all over the world who had funding for their residencies, so it’s a balance; more of finding what works for us both (and we have this conversation often)

Every artists circumstances are different, and XCHC exists to support them by adapting and balancing income with sponsorship. Give us more info:

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

The heart of the CBD is within 30 minutes walking distance.

We’re in between the suburbs of Sydenham and Woolston.  Sydenham is a short walk to the west and features smaller galleries as well as The Colombo for shopping and entertainment.  To the east, Woolston is the home of craft breweries Cassels & Sons and 3 Boys Brewing, and the Tannery - a Victorian arcade with shops, live music, an arts cinema, and yoga studio.  

Buses to the beach suburb of Sumner or the port town of Lyttelton leave every 15 minutes and take only a half hour.

“I’m usually around, and always available by phone. I can talk for ages about food, drinks, and stuff in Christchurch.  Ask me, or anyone at XCHC about things to do in the region; within an hour you can be in native bush, deserted beaches, or wine country. We look forward to hosting you.”
- Preston

Plan what to do in Christchurch with an itinerary including Exchange Christchurch (XCHC)