The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel

2.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel

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

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

Double Room, Private Bathroom

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

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

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

4-Bed Shared Dorm

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

6-Bed Shared Dorm

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

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 neighborhood

Motueka

The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel places you within a short walk of Motueka District Museum and within a mile (2 km) of SimPit Technologies. This 13-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and a library.

What's nearby

  • Motueka District Museum - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • SimPit Technologies - 1 min drive - 0.9 miles
  • Skydive Abel Tasman - 2 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Kaiteriteri Beach - 13 min drive - 10.2 miles
  • Abel Tasman National Park - 32 min drive - 18.9 miles

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

The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel features free WiFi in public areas, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. If you decide to drive, there's free parking. Front-desk staff can assist with tours or tickets, securing valuables, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a library, a terrace, and laundry facilities.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Portable fans are also included. Limited housekeeping is available.

Similar properties

Property amenities

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

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 washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (40 inches 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

  • This property doesn't allow pets (service animals welcome)

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
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-8:30 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and outdoor lighting.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

Is a free cancellation option available at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel offers free cancellation on select room rates. For more details, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

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

As of Jun 3, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel on Jun 17, 2026 start from $68, 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.

What is there to do close to The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

This hostel is located in Motueka within a short 13-minute walk of Motueka District Museum. You'll also find Skydive Abel Tasman and SimPit Technologies within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the hostel.

Does The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel have a casino?

No, The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

What do couples enjoy most about The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

Couples staying at this hostel will appreciate amenities like a garden and a library plus some rooms include a garden view.

Does The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hostel.

Does The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel though service animals are welcome.

Does The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel have connecting rooms available?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hostel.

How far is the airport from The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

The closest major airport to The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel is Nelson (NSN), which is 26.6 mi away (40 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

Yes, some rooms at this hostel offer a furnished patio where guests can enjoy garden and mountain views.

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

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

8/10 Good

Jane

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Alice

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

10/10 Excellent

Jodie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8/10 Good

Janet Ho

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Ngakau

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Cynthia

Liked: Staff & service
When we stayed it had a hotel, hostel, and backpackers with tents on the property. The gardens was amazing. The attendant was friendly and attentive
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023