Drifter

Drifter is an exciting new accommodation concept, new to Wellington and very much adding to the very cool vibes in our cool little capital city. A hybrid hotel-hostel, the Wellington Drifter will have accommodation across stylish private rooms or premium shared bunks, with social spaces designed for connection including a wellness studio, co-working areas, bar and restaurant for food, drinks and good company.

Our team completed the seismic strengthening of this 1930’s original Wellington Post Office building in 2025. The building is located in the Courtenay Place Heritage Area, a significant, high-density precinct recognised for its Edwardian and 1920s-30s buildings such as this. The strengthening works, designed by Spectrum Consulting Engineers Ltd, involved micro-piles & new foundations beneath the water-table with reinforced concrete shear walls and beam/column grid structures up through the building.

The fit out works of the new Drifter will have a sleeping capacity of 277 beds across nine levels. The ground floor and level 1 will be entirely dedicated to a bar, restaurant and social/communal spaces. This building is a perfect match with the Drifter brand, where heritage character meets modern comfort, creating a stay that’s both social and seriously comfortable. Interior design is by Auckland based CTRL Space, with the base build architecture by Plus Studio.

With properties across Australia and New Zealand, including Sydney, Melbourne, Byron Bay, Canberra, Cairns, Auckland and Christchurch, alongside Leisure Accommodation Collective NZ Ltd we’re excited to be delivering the new Wellington location bringing some positive vibes into the local hospitality market.