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The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel

2.0 star property
Enjoy the free WiFi at this Motueka hostel

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel

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

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
    ‪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)
  • Mountain view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double Room, Private Bathroom

Double Room, Private Bathroom

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

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

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

4-Bed Shared Dorm

4-Bed Shared Dorm

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

View all photos for 6-Bed Shared Dorm

6-Bed Shared Dorm

6-Bed Shared Dorm

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

View all photos for 7-Bed Shared Dorm

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

7-Bed Shared Dorm

  • Garden view
  • 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 - 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

  • ‪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
Motueka
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
4.0 out of 5, Very good, 69 reviews
The price is CA $78
CA $90 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 4 - Jun 5
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.

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

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 May 21, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel on Jun 4, 2026 start from CA $80, 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. 64 out of 130 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 47 out of 130 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 13 out of 130 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 130 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 130 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

John

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Travelled with family
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

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

10/10 Excellent

Jodie

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

8/10 Good

DH

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Mary

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alice

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Good, cheap, clean
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Kate

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Arnold

Travelled with partner
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

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

6/10 Okay

Michael

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

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