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The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel

Property class: 2
Enjoy the free WiFi at this Motueka hostel

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel

A large, white, two-story house with a grey roof, surrounded by lush greenery and flowering plants.
A park with picnic tables, a swing set, and a pathway.
A hallway with a wooden console table labeled "OFFICE" and a mounted elephant painting.
A pathway leading through a garden with banana trees and a house in the background.
A room with two beds, a desk, and a window with curtains.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
55, Whakarewa Street, Motueka, 7120
  • Place, Motueka District Museum
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Skydive Abel Tasman
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, SimPit Technologies
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Nelson (NSN)
    ‪37 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Queen & Single Room With Bathroom

A room with two beds, a desk, and a window with curtains.

Queen & Single Room With Bathroom

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double Room, Private Bathroom

A small, single-story mobile home with a front porch and two chairs.

Double Room, Private Bathroom

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(10 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

A neatly made bed with a patterned bedspread and pillows, a wooden headboard, and two bedside tables with lamps.

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 4-Bed Shared Dorm

A room with bunk beds, a small table with a lamp, and a view of greenery through a window.

4-Bed Shared Dorm

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 6-Bed Shared Dorm

A room with a bunk bed, a desk, and a bay window with curtains.

6-Bed Shared Dorm

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 7-Bed Shared Dorm

A dormitory room with bunk beds, numbered 9 to 13, wooden floors, and patterned wallpaper.

7-Bed Shared Dorm

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

Basic Cabin

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the area

Motueka

Close to the beach.Within 2 miles (3 km) of this Motueka hostel, you'll find Motueka District Museum and SimPit Technologies. Skydive Abel Tasman is within 2 miles (3 km) and Tasman Golf Club is within 9 miles (15 km).
View more Hostels in MotuekaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Motueka District Museum - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Skydive Abel Tasman - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
  • SimPit Technologies - 3 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Kaiteriteri Beach - 22 min drive - 16.7 km
  • Abel Tasman National Park - 33 min drive - 25.4 km

Getting around

  • Nelson (NSN) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Smoking Barrel - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Toad Hall - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Domino’s Pizza - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪KFC - ‬8 min walk

About this property

The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel

Enjoy the free WiFi at this Motueka hostel
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
  • Refrigerator in a common area
The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel offers 13 accommodations with portable fans. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. Irons/ironing boards and hair dryers can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.

Similar properties

Double Room
Happy Apple Backpackers
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  • Free WiFi
  • Business services
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
4.0 out of 5, Very good, 71 reviews
Happy Apple Backpackers

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site

Things to do

  • Library

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 washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (40 inches high)

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.

Property 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 each accommodation.

Property class

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

How close is The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel to the airport?

The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel is 26.6 mi (40-min drive) away from the Nelson (NSN) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Aug 13, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel on Aug 27, 2026 start from CA $72, excluding 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.

Does The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel.

How close is The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel to the beach?

This hostel is 8.5 mi (20-min drive) from Little Kaiteriteri Beach and 8.5 mi (19-min drive) from Kaiteriteri Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel offer free breakfast?

The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

No, there is no casino at this hostel.

What time is check-in at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:30 PM.

Is there free parking at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

This hostel offers free self parking.

Does The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel have a pool?

The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel does not have a pool.

Does The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

How close is The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel to downtown Motueka?

The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel is 0.4 mi away from Motueka.

The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 65 out of 131 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 47 out of 131 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 13 out of 131 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 131 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 131 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jim

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yes, clean room, friendly staff and loved the garden
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very attractive backpacker hostel with great cabins. Complete kitchen & lounge.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness
Clean room and good linen and towels
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good size room in a garden position. Very quiet at night Shared cooking facilities available when ever required
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alice

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Good, cheap, clean
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jodie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
It suited my needs and the bed was comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
VERY clean. Convenient to town. We had a free standing suite with out own bathroom, refrig and tea pot. Also access to main housr kitchen and laundry facilities. First experience with a Hostel, and wont be our last.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Arnold

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, very friendly and accommodating staff, and great amenities. Room surfaces were quite dusty/dirty and there were spider webs found periodically but nothing too majorly bad. Heater in the room was great and the bed was very comfortable!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

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

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

TONY

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

8/10 Good

Janet Ho

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Emily

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Ronja

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We had a good stay. The Cleanliness was ok. We could park our motorbikes on the property and there are a lot of cool shops nearby. In the kitchen wasn’t that much space for our stuff.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ngakau

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

8/10 Good

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very pleasant host. Pleasant accommodation with a comfortable bed. Good parking facilities.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Christina

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Loved the grounds, no issues as such a short stay.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Carla

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

nigel

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely character nice and quiet very nice and helpful owner
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stacy

Liked: Amenities
I cannot begin to say enough wonderful things about the charm of this hostel. The grounds were beautiful and the owner and other guests were so friendly. It was recently purchased and the new owner is continuing updates.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023