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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

Front of property
6-Bed Shared Dorm | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Property grounds
Hair dryer, towels
BBQ/picnic area

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included

Explore the area

Map
55, Whakarewa Street, Motueka, 7120
  • Skydive Abel Tasman
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Kaiteriteri Beach
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Little Kaiteriteri Beach
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Nelson (NSN)
    ‪40 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Double Room, Shared Bathroom | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Queen & Single Room With Bathroom

Queen & Single Room With Bathroom | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Queen & Single Room With Bathroom

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Double Room, Private Bathroom

Double Room, Private Bathroom | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room, Private Bathroom

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for 7-Bed Shared Dorm

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

7-Bed Shared Dorm

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for 6-Bed Shared Dorm

6-Bed Shared Dorm | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

6-Bed Shared Dorm

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

Basic Cabin

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for 4-Bed Shared Dorm

4-Bed Shared Dorm | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

4-Bed Shared Dorm

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

About the neighborhood

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 - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • SimPit Technologies - 2 min drive - 1.0 mile
  • Skydive Abel Tasman - 2 min drive - 1.3 miles
  • Kaiteriteri Beach - 19 min drive - 8.6 miles
  • Little Kaiteriteri Beach - 20 min drive - 8.5 miles

Getting around

  • Nelson (NSN) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪The Village Cafe Motueka - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Chokdee - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪The Smoking Barrel - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Toad Hall - ‬3 min drive

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.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Reception

Motueka TOP 10 Holiday Park

  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Kids pool
  • Waterslide
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 118 reviews
$70 nightly
The price is $80
May 12 - May 13
Total includes taxes and fees
Motueka TOP 10 Holiday Park

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

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 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 11, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel on May 21, 2025 start from $61.67, 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

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 56 out of 111 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 40 out of 111 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 111 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 111 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 111 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Hilary

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Janet Ho

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

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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 traveler

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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Stacy

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Elijah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023