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The White Elephant Accommodation

Nelson · New Zealand

55 Whakarewa StreetView location

8.6/10Excellent132 Reviews
Cleanliness8.8/108.8
Service9.0/109.0
Comfort8.4/108.4
Condition8.4/108.4
Location4.0/104.0
Neighborhood8.0/108.0
Value8.4/108.4
Amenities8.8/108.8
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Room prices, availability, meal plans and cancellation terms are confirmed for your selected dates.

About The White Elephant Accommodation

When you stay at The White Elephant Accommodation in Motueka, you'll be near the beach and 13 minutes by foot from Motueka District Museum. This hostel is 12. 5 mi (20. 1 km) from Abel Tasman National Park and 8. 5 mi (13. 6 km) from Kaiteriteri Beach.

Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless Internet access. This hostel also features tour/ticket assistance, a picnic area, and barbecue grills. Featured amenities include luggage storage, laundry facilities, and a library. Free self parking is available onsite.

Make yourself at home in one of the 13 guestrooms. Prepare your meals in the shared/communal kitchen. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available to keep you connected. Conveniences include portable fans, housekeeping is provided on a limited basis, and irons/ironing boards can be requested.

Read more about this hotelShow less

When you stay at The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel in Motueka, you'll be near the beach, within a 5-minute drive of Motueka District Museum and SimPit Technologies. This hostel is 12.2 mi (19.6 km) from Abel Tasman National Park and 1.2 mi (2 km) from Skydive Abel Tasman.

Make yourself at home in one of the 13 guestrooms. Prepare your meals in the shared/communal kitchen. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Conveniences include portable fans, housekeeping is provided on a limited basis, and irons/ironing boards can be requested.

Featured amenities include luggage storage, laundry facilities, and a library. Free self parking is available onsite.

Popular amenities

Free WiFi
Parking available
Dining services
Concierge
Laundry
Entertainment
Smoking areas
Accessible facilities

Check-in and check-out

Check-in from 2:00 PM
Check-in until 8:30 PM
Check-out until 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age 18

Hotel policies

Beach nearby No rollaway/extra beds available No elevators Professional property host/manager Pets not allowed Service animals are allowed

Important information

  • Special Instructions
    The front desk is open daily from 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests will be asked to provide the property with a copy of their government-issued photo ID before arrival. \nIf you are planning to arrive after 8:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and key retrieval information. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Please 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.
  • Instructions
    • 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
  • Minimal age
    18
  • Spoken Language

    English

Nearby attractions

Motueka District Museum 1.1 km / 0.7 mi
SimPit Technologies 1.7 km / 1.1 mi
Skydive Abel Tasman 2 km / 1.2 mi
Motueka Saltwater Baths 3.8 km / 2.3 mi
Tasman Golf Club 13.6 km / 8.5 mi
Little Kaiteriteri Beach 13.7 km / 8.5 mi
Kaiteriteri Beach 13.7 km / 8.5 mi
Kahurangi National Park 13.8 km / 8.5 mi
Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park 13.9 km / 8.6 mi
Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle 14 km / 8.7 mi
Honeymoon Bay 14.8 km / 9.2 mi
Kina Peninsula 15.3 km / 9.5 mi
Riuwaka Resurgence 17.3 km / 10.7 mi
Riwaka Resurgence 17.3 km / 10.8 mi
Neudorf 17.4 km / 10.8 mi

Hotel facilities & services

Services and fees can vary. Check the selected room details and hotel policies before booking.

  • Total number of rooms: 13
  • hostel
  • Check-in hour
  • Check-out hour
  • Wi-fi
  • Laundry service
  • Hotel safe
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Luggage room
  • Grill/BBQ
  • Library
Show 1 more facilities & services
  • Picnic
Upon availability

Room types

These are the hotel's room types, rather than live offers. Choose your travel dates to see available rooms, prices and booking conditions. Check availability

  • Cabin BASICCabin • BASICCAB.Z1

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    The White Elephant Accommodation

    Cabin BASIC

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 2–10 • Adults: max. 10 • Children: max. 6
    Room type
    Cabin
    View / characteristic
    BASIC

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: CAB.Z1

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • Room TWO BEDSRoom • TWO BEDSROO.2B

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    The White Elephant Accommodation

    Room TWO BEDS

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–10 • Adults: max. 10 • Children: max. 6
    Room type
    Room
    View / characteristic
    TWO BEDS

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: ROO.2B

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • DOUBLE WITH SHARED BATHROOMDOUBLE • WITH SHARED BATHROOMDBL.FH

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    The White Elephant Accommodation

    DOUBLE WITH SHARED BATHROOM

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–4 • Adults: max. 4 • Children: max. 3
    Room type
    DOUBLE
    View / characteristic
    WITH SHARED BATHROOM

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: DBL.FH

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • Double or Twin GARDEN VIEWDouble or Twin • GARDEN VIEWDBT.GV

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    The White Elephant Accommodation

    Double or Twin GARDEN VIEW

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–6 • Adults: max. 6 • Children: max. 3
    Room type
    Double or Twin
    View / characteristic
    GARDEN VIEW

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: DBT.GV

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • DOUBLE QUEEN SIZE BEDDOUBLE • QUEEN SIZE BEDDBL.QN

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    The White Elephant Accommodation

    DOUBLE QUEEN SIZE BED

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–4 • Adults: max. 4 • Children: max. 3
    Room type
    DOUBLE
    View / characteristic
    QUEEN SIZE BED

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: DBL.QN

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

Guest reviews

What other guests saying about The White Elephant Accommodation

8.6
Excellent
132 Reviews
Cleanliness
8.8 /10
Service
9.0 /10
Comfort
8.4 /10
Condition
8.4 /10
Location
4.0 /10
Neighborhood
8.0 /10
Value
8.4 /10
Amenities
8.8 /10
75 reviews shown
10/10
Exceptional
22 May 2026
Brent
Great spot for our overnight stay. Easy walk to restaurants & supermarket
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
23 Mar 2026
Jim
Very attractive backpacker hostel with great cabins. Complete kitchen & lounge.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
14 Mar 2026
Marcia
Nous sommes restées une seule nuit et c'est un endroit très agréable, le personnel sympathique, chambre propre, avec frigo et le nécessaire pour un petit déjeuner. Je recommande. Marcia et Natasha
Family
8/10
Excellent
24 Feb 2026
Jane
Clean room and good linen and towels
8/10
Excellent
15 Feb 2026
John
Good size room in a garden position. Very quiet at night
Shared cooking facilities available when ever required
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
08 Feb 2026
Heather
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.
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
08 Feb 2026
Jim
Yes, clean room, friendly staff and loved the garden
10/10
Exceptional
03 Jan 2026
Jodie
It suited my needs and the bed was comfortable.
Leisure Self
10/10
Exceptional
29 Dec 2025
Alice
Good, cheap, clean
Friends_and_family Friends
10/10
Exceptional
01 Dec 2025
Arnold
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!
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
15 Nov 2025
Ronja
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.
8/10
Excellent
19 Oct 2025
Angela
Had all the basics one needs. Warm, comfy bed, good water pressure and the staff was super friendly.
Business_and_leisure Self
8/10
Excellent
22 Sep 2025
Catherine
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.
Leisure Self
8/10
Excellent
26 Feb 2025
Janet Ho
At good location
Family
10/10
Exceptional
23 Feb 2025
Stephen
Lovely home like enviroment, clean, friendly staff
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
23 Feb 2025
edward

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
Self
8/10
Excellent
22 Feb 2025
Gail L
The neighborhood was a little sketchy but we walked to town without any problems.
8/10
Excellent
15 Feb 2025
Rob
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
Leisure Self
8/10
Excellent
17 Jan 2025
john
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
Leisure
10/10
Exceptional
08 Jan 2025
Ronja

Lovely cabin

Great place to stay before heading out to the abel tasman!
10/10
Exceptional
04 Jan 2025
Emily
Clean, comfortable room. The property was beautiful and the staff were helpful and friendly.
Leisure Family
4/10
Poor
29 Dec 2024
Verified traveler

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.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
25 Dec 2024
Carla
Loved where hostel was situated. Beautiful grounds & walkable to the main shopping area. Very convenient.
Leisure Family
6/10
Pleasant
13 Nov 2024
Janik
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.
Leisure Self
8/10
Excellent
11 Sep 2024
TONY
quiet and close to the town
Business_and_leisure Self
10/10
Exceptional
29 Jul 2024
Ngakau
Host was amazing, highly reccomend
6/10
Pleasant
09 Apr 2024
Janet
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.
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
20 Mar 2024
Kathryn
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.
Leisure Friends
10/10
Exceptional
13 Mar 2024
Gregory
The property was great and staff was very welcoming when we checked in early. It was a communal spirit on site.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
23 Feb 2024
Rachael
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.
Leisure
8/10
Excellent
17 Feb 2024
David

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.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
05 Feb 2024
Lisa
Simply lovely, we even made friends with one of the cats.wouls stay again.
10/10
Exceptional
24 Dec 2023
Stacy
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.
Leisure Family
6/10
Pleasant
15 Feb 2023
Christina
Loved the grounds, no issues as such a short stay.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
13 Feb 2023
nigel
Lovely character nice and quiet very nice and helpful owner
Leisure Friends
8/10
Excellent
05 Feb 2023
Cynthia
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
Leisure Friends
8/10
Excellent
21 Jan 2023
Christopher
Very pleasant host. Pleasant accommodation with a comfortable bed. Good parking facilities.
Self
10/10
Exceptional
08 Feb 2022
Karensa
It was amazingly quiet property. Cute little cabins. Would highly recommend. Will be back
Leisure Self
10/10
Exceptional
02 Feb 2022
Dean
This property far exceeded our expectations. We expected a room with a bathroom and nothing else..... for the price we paid we were happy with that. The beds were comfy. The owner was friendly and chatty. The rooms were well stocked with jug, toaster fridge. There was a fan for the hot nights. It was close to town. The gardens made it seem like we were on a tropical island get away. It isnt a fancy hotel but we were pleasantly surprised with this property.
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
28 Dec 2021
Shannon
Freiendly staff, cool place
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
23 Nov 2021
Peter

Peaceful

Better than expected. Very friendly owner and atmosphere.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
10 Jun 2021
Michelle
Cosy self contained cottage. Had everything i needed.
Self
10/10
Exceptional
25 May 2021
Verified traveler
The ensuite bedroom's were set in the grounds of a grand old house complete with mature trees
10/10
Exceptional
07 May 2021
Karen M
An overnight stay. Had a unit
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
15 Mar 2021
David

Exceptional for the price

Motel like accomodation out the back, privately set amongst beautiful scenic flora and trees. The house is the backpacker part, the motel like self contained units were separate behind the house. Love it and would stay again
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
14 Mar 2021
Verified traveler
I liked the surroundings the grounds and the overall peacefulness .
Leisure
10/10
Exceptional
17 Feb 2021
Gary

Nice unit in lovely garden.

Really enjoyed our stay. Our unit was very sweet, and host Pam was very welcoming. We would stay there again.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
28 Dec 2020
Karen
The unit was private, clean and comfortable. It maybe needed a heater because of the unusual weather. (The hailstorm) The little outside table and chairs on the verandah were lovely in the morning sunshine and the attractive surroundings.
Friends_and_family Partner
10/10
Exceptional
27 Dec 2020
Olga
Excellent place to stay, beautiful garden, very friendly and helpful hosts
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
22 Oct 2020
Verified traveler
Lady was very nice! good customer service.
Leisure Friends
10/10
Exceptional
01 Sep 2020
Marie
Lovely hosts, very welcoming, lovely private room. Would definitely stay here again. =)
Leisure Self
10/10
Exceptional
07 Mar 2020
Verified traveler
The lady that runs the backpackers is amazing so lovely and helpful. The backpackers is spotless. Such an cool place to stay!
8/10
Excellent
05 Mar 2020
Heather
Bbq and pizza oven were great for cooking our own meals. Separate cabin was quiet and comfortable. No screens on the windows means you’ll get a lot of bugs when you open them to cool down the room
Leisure
10/10
Exceptional
11 Feb 2020
Verified traveler
Very relaxing park like surrounds friendly and accommodating owners
Leisure Self
8/10
Excellent
30 Jan 2020
Michelle
It was a cute place but was very busy with people there to help with fruit harvest. It was overall well worth the money! We have a private room and bath. A bit noisey out front of our canin but was quiet by bedtime!
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
07 Jan 2020
Verified traveler
Good quiet location. Great garden and most ameneties there.
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
21 Nov 2019
Verified traveler
Had private room with en suite - very good value for money. Friendly owner, who ran a welcoming, clean and well equipped backpackers and lodge.
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
10 Oct 2019
Verified traveler
Nice stay. Feels as in the countryside eventhough it is located near the center of town. The owner is so nice and helpful.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
07 Jun 2019
Verified traveler
Pam and team and the long term backpackers all made us feel very welcome and were vey helpful. En-suite unit in the garden was excellent. We stayed an extra day.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
14 Apr 2019
Agnes
We had a lovely cottage to stay in. Beautiful surroundings and very friendly host and hostess.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
11 Mar 2019
Lejorben

Great place to stay, highly recommended!!!

We had a nice and clean room with very comfortable beds. The owners were absolutely lovely and helpful. Will definitely be back!
Family
10/10
Exceptional
20 Jan 2019
Verified traveler

Lovely

Really lovely place to stay. Didn't have time to be there much but it seemed like a nice community vibe as well. Had difficulty with the WiFi but that may have just been that one night.
Family
8/10
Excellent
11 Jan 2019
Verified traveler
Nice staff and a nice vibe. Very relaxing. Near to town.
10/10
Exceptional
03 Jan 2019
Blobben
Realt nice and helpful straff, great area and good rooms. The sheets were a bit outworn
10/10
Exceptional
01 Jan 2019
Verified traveler
This place is a hidden gem! We will definitely return.
10/10
Exceptional
18 Dec 2018
Verified traveler

Great base for exploring the area!

Fantastic base for exploring the area. Stayed in one of the cabins.

Really quiet at night.

Lots of bars & restaurants near by.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
04 Sep 2018
prebz
great location, stayed in the bathroom portable unit.. Warm, clean and the owner was very helpful and friendly
8/10
Excellent
10 Jun 2018
Verified traveler
Charming old house. Best bunk bed. Warm house (too warm at night). Lady owner a bit too interactive.
10/10
Exceptional
27 Mar 2018
Emily

Fabulous place

We stayed in one of the ensuite cabins and it was just perfect for us with a baby. Would happily stay here again, very accommodating host and had everything we needed.
6/10
Pleasant
10 Mar 2018
graeme

Quiet location

Great staff and facilities.
Close to town
Great setting in large manicured gardens
8/10
Excellent
19 Dec 2017
Verified traveler

Very clean and tidy home away from home.

Easy. Conveniently located in motueka. Pam and Rex are fantastic hosts. The accommodation was exceptionally clean as was the kitchen facilities. Thoroughly recommended.
6/10
Pleasant
12 Dec 2017
Verified traveler
A great find. We stayed in a private room, which was very clean and well-appointed. The shared kitchen is a bit tight when a lot of people are trying to cook, but otherwise a great place.
8/10
Excellent
21 Feb 2016
Verified traveler

Good backpackers with ensuite cabins at good price

Friendly staff, backpackers lodge in old house, with plenty of ensuite cabins amongst the fruit trees as well.
6/10
Pleasant
08 Feb 2016
Verified traveler

could be better

the place is nice and convinient-but room was not clean and not well kept
10/10
Exceptional
18 Jan 2016
Verified traveler
Stayed just the one night but loved the place - definitley got a bit of charactor to it. Rooms were very good, with toilet and shower. Would have happily stayed there longer

Location & surroundings

The White Elephant Accommodation
55 Whakarewa Street, Motueka, New Zealand

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The White Elephant Accommodation

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