YMCA Gym Christchurch
12 Hereford St, Christchurch Central
Opening Hours: 5:00 – 22:00, 7 days per week
Cost: $5 per session if you stay at their hostel, $15 otherwise.
Location
Located within the centre, close to the Botanical Gardens, YMCA Gym in Christchurch was the simplest and cheapest option for the first part of my stay in New Zealand. I’d contacted the gym prior to arriving in Christchurch to learn that the usual casual rate is $15 a session, but if you stay at the YMCA hostel, it’s only $5 per session. They informed me there is no weekly rate. This seemed like an economical start to my time in New Zealand, and of course you have the added bonus of the YMCA gym being located in the same building as your accommodation – no excuse not to go, come rain or shine!
Facilities
This Christchurch gym is medium-sized and includes a separate room for floor work with mats. This little room also doubles up as a small studio which is a shoot-off of the main open-plan room. Although the equipment was not new, it was far from falling apart and you’ll find plenty of it. They’ve also provided a full range of weights equipment, good variety of cardio machines and a separate large studio where several classes run, mainly cycling and circuits, at extra cost.
Equipment here is well spaced out too, which can make all the difference to enjoying a workout. It is truly unbeatable value at $5 a go!
YMCA Accommodation
The accommodation at the YMCA is of a good standard, although not the cheapest in Christchurch. (It is also far better than the YMCA dorm in Auckland I stayed in.) For the combination of quality accommodation and a cheap gym on your doorstep, I recommend it. Don’t be put off by the lack of free WiFi at the accommodation; the gym has free WiFi (with the code displayed) and after your workout, you can access it from the main reception areas of the accommodation. There’s plenty of seating there so you can loiter there without causing suspicion! The beds are very comfy too so you’ll be well rested for that workout.
Summary
If you’re on a budget and you’re serious about keeping fit as you travel then you’ve found your home at the YMCA Gym Christchurch. Although this is not the cheapest dorm you’ll find, it offers a good standard of living and the combination of the accommodation price with the massively discounted gym price makes this the most economically viable option in Christchurch that I found. Really enjoyed my workouts here!
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