History of the New Excelsior Backpackers, Christchurch

"One of the most disgraceful outrages that has ever taken place in Canterbury". That is how The Press reported the events that occurred here on boxing day 1879.

A hotel has been on the site the New Excelsior backpackers since 1865 and the current building has proudly stood on the intersection of High Street and Manchester street for almost 130 years - making it one of the most historically and architecturally significant buildings in Christchurch.

In 1879 a violent clash occurred as parading Protestants marched past the largely Irish Catholic customers in the Barrett's Borough Hotel, an event which resulted in the suspension of John Barrett's liquor licence and brought a unhappy reputation on the hotel. In order rebuild his business Barrett demolished the Barrett Borough Hotel and employed the services of the leading New Zealand architecture of the time, William Barnett Armson, to build a new hotel - The Excelsior Hotel. Built in an Italian Renaissance palazzo style The Excelsior Hotel was without a doubt the most impressive building in 19th centaury Christchurch and one of the few examples of Armson's work left today.

In 1997 the newly formed Christchurch Heritage Trust bought the Excelsior building and it was classed as a 'Category 1 Historic Building' which has ''special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage significance or value''. The Trust's first purchase, the Excelsior building became the focus of Christchurch's preservation attempts. Sympathetic renovation restored the Excelsior building to its former glory and once again the building stands as one of the most impressive buildings in Christchurch.

The Excelsior re-opened its door in 1998 as the New Excelsior Backpackers under the Nomads chain of hostels, offering backpackers the opportunity to stay in the homely surroundings of one of Christchurch's most charming and historical landmark buildings right in the heart of the city.

Since 2004 the New Excelsior Backpackers Hostel has been a family run business, with your hosts Perry and Lesley Ann living on site with their two children Poppy and Louie. Perry, Lesley Ann and the New Excelsior backpackers hostel look forward to giving you a warm welcome during your stay in Christchurch!