A man has admitted stealing a car from a Christchurch drugs rehab centre.

Travis James Baillie, 25, pleaded guilty to the "very serious" charge at Christchurch District Court today.

Baillie was living at Odyssey House Trust, which provides therapeutic support and education to clients with drug and alcohol addictions, the court heard.

But during his stay in May, he took off with one of its Suzuki cars, landing him back in prison.

He pleaded guilty to unlawfully taking a motor vehicle two, driving while disqualified, theft, and a breach of home detention sentence.

Judge Alastair Garland told Baillie that it was a serious crime and one which had a "really aggravating factor".

Baillie was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on August 10.