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The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel

2.0 star property
A peaceful garden retreat with a welcoming library and outdoor spaces where travelers can relax with a book or plan their next day's adventures

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Exterior - The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel (Motueka)
Property grounds - The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel (Motueka)
Queen & Single Room With Bathroom | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets - The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel (Motueka)
Property grounds - The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel (Motueka)
Interior - The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel (Motueka)
The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel offers travelers a quiet garden setting and a comfortable library for downtime. Guests appreciate the convenience of in-room WiFi, can relax on the terrace, and have access to barbecue facilities for outdoor meals.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms

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

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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

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

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

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

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

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

View all photos for 4-Bed Shared Dorm

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

4-Bed Shared Dorm

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 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

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

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

Basic Cabin

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

About the neighborhood

Located in Motueka, The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel is near the beach. Abel Tasman National Park and Kahurangi National Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include SimPit Technologies and Abel Tasman Paddleboarding. Visit our Motueka travel guide
View more Hostels in Motueka
Map
55, Whakarewa Street, Motueka, 7120

What's nearby

  • Split Apple Rock, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
    Abel Tasman National Park
    32 min drive - 18.9 miles
  • 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

Getting around

  • Nelson (NSN)
    40 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Smoking Barrel
    15 min walk
  • Toad Hall
    3 min drive
  • McDonald's
    7 min walk
  • Top of the Town Dairy
    20 min walk
  • KFC
    8 min walk

About this property

The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel

Property highlights
You can look forward to a terrace, a garden, and a library at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as laundry facilities.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Free self parking
  • Tour/ticket assistance, barbecue grills, and luggage storage
  • A front-desk safe
Room features
All guestrooms at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel offer amenities such as free WiFi.
Other amenities include:
  • Heating and portable fans
  • Communal kitchens and limited housekeeping

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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

Pets not allowed (service animals 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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

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 The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

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.

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

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Where is The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel located?

Situated near the beach, this hostel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Motueka District Museum, SimPit Technologies, and Skydive Abel Tasman. Tasman Golf Club and Little Kaiteriteri Beach are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel Reviews

8.6

Excellent

8.8

Cleanliness

7.4

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.4

Property conditions & facilities
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

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

Jodie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Kathryn

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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

10/10 Excellent

Alice

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

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

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