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The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel

2.0 star property
Hostel in Motueka with free parking

Photo gallery for The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel

Exterior
Property grounds
Interior
Queen & Single Room With Bathroom
Property grounds

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Laundry room
  • Kitchen
The current price is AU$109
includes taxes & fees
8 Feb - 9 Feb

Explore the area

View map
55, Whakarewa Street, Motueka, 7120
  • Place, Motueka District Museum
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, SimPit Technologies
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Skydive Abel Tasman
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Nelson (NSN)
    ‪39 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Queen & Single Room With Bathroom

Queen & Single Room With Bathroom

Queen & Single Room With Bathroom

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Portable fan
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed
  • Mountain view

View all photos for Double Room, Private Bathroom

Double Room, Private Bathroom

Double Room, Private Bathroom

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(9 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Portable fan
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Mountain view

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Portable fan
Shared/communal kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Garden view

View all photos for 4-Bed Shared Dorm

4-Bed Shared Dorm

4-Bed Shared Dorm

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Portable fan
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Bunk Beds
  • Garden view

View all photos for 6-Bed Shared Dorm

6-Bed Shared Dorm

6-Bed Shared Dorm

Highlights

Heating
Portable fan
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Single Bunk Beds
  • Garden view

View all photos for 7-Bed Shared Dorm

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

7-Bed Shared Dorm

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Portable fan
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Single Bunk Beds
  • Garden view

Basic Cabin

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Portable fan
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

About the area

Motueka

At The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Motueka District Museum and 1.7 km (1.1 mi) from SimPit Technologies. Highlights at this hostel include free in-room WiFi. .This hostel has free WiFi in public areas, a library and a terrace. Additionally, you'll find laundry facilities, a microwave in a common area and a fridge in a common area. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .In proximity to this Motueka hostel you'll find Abel Tasman National Park.
View more Hostels in MotuekaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Motueka District Museum - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • SimPit Technologies - 1 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Skydive Abel Tasman - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Kaiteriteri Beach - 13 min drive - 16.3 km
  • Abel Tasman National Park - 32 min drive - 30.4 km

Getting around

  • Nelson (NSN) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Top of the Town Dairy - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Sprig + Fern Motueka - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Toad Hall - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Smoking Barrel - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪KFC - ‬8 min walk

About this property

The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel

Hostel in Motueka with free parking
As a guest of The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel, you'll find a library, a terrace, and barbecue grills. Public spaces have free WiFi. The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel also features tour/ticket assistance, a garden, and a picnic area. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Motueka hostel.

  • 13 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Fridge in a common area
The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel offers 13 accommodations with portable fans. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. An iron/ironing board and hairdryers can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.

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4.0 out of 5, Very good, 66 reviews
The price is AU$105
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 Feb
Happy Apple Backpackers

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Things to do

  • Library

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (limited availability)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 3 steps to reach entrance
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (102 centimetre high)

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 8:30 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and key retrieval information; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
If you are planning to arrive after 8:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Guests should be aware that 2 cats and 2 dogs reside at this property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), key retrieval

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and outdoor lighting
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and outdoor lighting in all accommodation.

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities and services.

Property is also known as

White Elephant Backpackers Hostel Motueka
White Elephant Backpackers Hostel
White Elephant Backpackers Lodge Motueka
White Elephant Backpackers
White Elephant Backpacker Motueka, New Zealand - Nelson-Tasman
White Elephant Backpackers Lodge
The White Elephant Accommodation
White Elephant Backpackers Lodge
The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel Motueka

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

As of 24 Jan 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel on 8 Feb 2026 start from AU$108.55, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

Yep, The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

The closest beach to The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel is Little Kaiteriteri Beach (8.3 km).

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

No, The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

No, only service animals are allowed.

The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 59 out of 121 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 45 out of 121 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 12 out of 121 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 121 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 121 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Angela

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had all the basics one needs. Warm, comfy bed, good water pressure and the staff was super friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Catherine

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Pros: I had a good stay at the White Elephant. I stayed in a cabin at the back of the property. The gardens at the back are beautiful and it was very quiet at night. The staff are excellent - very friendly and helpful - many thanks to Lorin and Gurt/Gert! The cabin had a comfy bed, ensuite, fridge, toaster, kettle and crockery & cutlery. There was a good heater. The location is excellent. The local bus stop (from Nelson) is a 5 minute walk and the supermarket & town centre are a 5 to 10 minute walk. There are lovely estuary and beach walks in Motueka. Cons: The cabin was not super-clean and all the surfaces were rather dusty. Also, on my last full day, I came home to find ants near the head of the bed and in the bathroom. Another guest also told me that she had ants in her food in the communal kitchen. The White ELephant is certainly not the only place in NZ to have ants, but it would make me think twice about staying again, because I was staying in September and not in the hotter weather, when ant activity is worse. If they could do a deep clean of the cabin and address the ant problem before their summer season, then I would definitely recommend the White Elephant.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hilary

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Janet Ho

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
At good location
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely home like enviroment, clean, friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

edward

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect

Excellent stay with everything that you would need at the accommodation and in the short walk to the town. I’ve stayed here before and would definitely recommend it
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Gail L

Liked: Cleanliness
The neighborhood was a little sketchy but we walked to town without any problems.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Rob

Liked: Amenities
Everything was fine and clean and friendly staff, except the showers and toilet (who are used by others) is built against the wall of my room. If you want a good sleep you need earplugs
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

john

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely cabin in great garden setting. The onlly problem we encountered was lack of Wi-Fi in the outside apartments. It was ok in the hostel part
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Allison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ronja

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely cabin

Great place to stay before heading out to the abel tasman!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emily

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, comfortable room. The property was beautiful and the staff were helpful and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Room comfort

You get what you pay for...

Pros: Clean, very welcoming host at check in, cheaper than other accommodations in area. Cons: Tight, awkwardly designed bathroom, thin walls (can hear neighbor's every move), one pillow. All of the above is somewhat understandable as it is a very budget accommodation. What was intolerable was the extremely unreliable wifi - worst I've experienced in NZ. Ok stay for a quick night.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Carla

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved where hostel was situated. Beautiful grounds & walkable to the main shopping area. Very convenient.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Janik, Toronto

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
This is a review for the private cabin: it was functional but very basic. No toiletries were provided. The cabin had no heating or cooling at all, it was quite cold in the morning! There are much much better private rooms in Motueka for only slightly more money.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

TONY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
quiet and close to the town
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ngakau

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Host was amazing, highly reccomend
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Janet

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
This is a true hostel. The room we stayed in was small, no microwave or tv. There were some ants but nothing that wasn't remedied by taking the garbage out of the room. It was fine for the 2 nights we stayed but wouldn't have wanted to stay longer.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Kathryn

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I booked and arrived late, a lovely young woman welcomed me and showed me to my cute little self-contained unit in the back garden. Very grateful for the room at that time. It was well stocked with all i the appliances etc I needed. Quiet. Shower floor could have done with a clean.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gregory, London

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was great and staff was very welcoming when we checked in early. It was a communal spirit on site.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a last minute change to our accomodation. And was lucky enough to find a room in White Elephant Accomodation. The owner was amaxing and she even upgraded my friend and i to a bigger room. We travelled through the house/ hostel to find our accomodation in the back. Which was a granny flat style room. The house was fun really well. Staff were amazing. Rooms were extremely clean and even provided a towel, kettle with tea and coffee. The drive from Nelson was an added bonus as the sun was setting after a late summer dinner. Thanks for the great stay. Will deffinately return.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Surprisingly nice

We stayed in the ensuite hut. It was very clean and spacious, you could use the combined kitchen and BBQ area if you liked but our room had it's own mini fridge, and plates and cutlery. It's all set in a lovely garden. A quiet place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Simply lovely, we even made friends with one of the cats.wouls stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024