The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel

2.0 star property
Hostel in Motueka with free parking

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel

Front of property
Hair dryer, towels
Property grounds
6-Bed Shared Dorm | 1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Property grounds

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included

Explore the area

Map
55, Whakarewa Street, Motueka, 7120
  • Motueka District Museum
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Skydive Abel Tasman
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Kaiteriteri Beach
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Nelson (NSN)
    ‪42 min drive‬

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Room options

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Queen & Single Room With Bathroom

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

Double Room, Private Bathroom

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

7-Bed Shared Dorm

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

6-Bed Shared Dorm

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

Basic Cabin

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

4-Bed Shared Dorm

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

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 - 2 min drive - 0.9 miles
  • Skydive Abel Tasman - 2 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Kaiteriteri Beach - 17 min drive - 9.7 miles
  • Little Kaiteriteri Beach - 17 min drive - 9.7 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

Hostel in Motueka with free parking
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.

Languages

English

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

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.

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.

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 SimPit Technologies and Skydive Abel Tasman within a short drive.

Is there parking available 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.

Is The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel good for couples?

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

Are there hot tubs at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

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.

Are there connecting rooms at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

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 at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel?

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

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

8/10 Good

Tony, Broadstairs

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night 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