See all properties
Save

Happy Apple Backpackers

Property class: 2

Photo gallery for Happy Apple Backpackers

A neatly made bed with a white and brown blanket, two pillows, and a rolled white towel. A painting of a beach scene is on the wall, and a window with curtains is visible.
A modern living room with a leather sofa, a wooden coffee table, a bookshelf, and a dining area with chairs.
An outdoor patio area with a white table and blue chairs, surrounded by greenery and a view of the landscape.
A kitchen with wooden benches, a stove, and a view of the outdoors.
A pool table with a blue felt surface, surrounded by green brick walls, a window with white curtains, and a pool cue rack.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Business services
  • Laundry room
  • Housekeeping
The current price is NZ$111
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov

Explore the area

View map
500 High St, Motueka, Nelson, 7120
  • Place, SimPit Technologies
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Motueka Saltwater Baths
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Abel Tasman National Park
    ‪33 min drive‬
  • Airport, Nelson (NSN)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Single Room

A small, well-lit room with a bed, a bedside table, a lamp, and a white cabinet with a kettle and cups.

Single Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a window with a view of trees, and a small desk.

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 5 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Quadruple Room

A bunk bed room with a desk and a cabinet.

Quadruple Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Shared Dormitory

A bunk room with two bunk beds, a window, and a small table.

Shared Dormitory

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Twin Room

A room with two wooden beds, a small desk, a refrigerator, and a window with curtains.

Twin Room

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Family Double Room

A hotel room with a bed, a small desk, a mirror, a shelf, and a window with curtains.

Family Double Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Double Room

A neatly made bed with a white and brown blanket, two pillows, and a rolled white towel. A painting of a beach scene is on the wall, and a window with curtains is visible.

Double Room

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Room

A hotel room with a single bed, a bunk bed, a window with curtains, and a framed picture on the wall.

Family Room

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

About the area

Motueka

At Happy Apple Backpackers you'll be within a 15-minute walk of SimPit Technologies and 1.7 km (1.1 mi) from Motueka Saltwater Baths. Highlights at this hostel include free in-room WiFi. .This smoke-free hostel offers free WiFi in public areas, a terrace and a garden. Additionally, you'll find laundry facilities, a microwave in a common area and a fridge in a common area. .In proximity to this Motueka hostel you'll find Abel Tasman National Park.
View more Hostels in MotuekaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • SimPit Technologies - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Motueka Saltwater Baths - 3 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Kaiteriteri Beach - 22 min drive - 18.5 km
  • Little Kaiteriteri Beach - 22 min drive - 18.5 km
  • Abel Tasman National Park - 33 min drive - 27.2 km

Getting around

  • Nelson (NSN) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Elevation - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Toad Hall - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪KFC - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Sprig + Fern Motueka - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Village Café & Bar - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Happy Apple Backpackers

As a guest of Happy Apple Backpackers, you'll find a terrace, barbecue grills, and a vending machine. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. Happy Apple Backpackers also features tour/ticket assistance, a garden, and a picnic area.

This Motueka hostel is smoke free.

  • 18 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Computer for guest use
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Fridge in a common area
Happy Apple Backpackers offers 18 accommodations with portable fans. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests have access to shared bathrooms. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

A large, white, two-story house with a grey roof, surrounded by lush greenery and flowering plants.
The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel
Motueka
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Laundry room
  • Microwave
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 133 reviews
The price is NZ$105
includes taxes & fees
21 Nov - 22 Nov
The White Elephant Accommodation - Hostel

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Things to do

  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Foosball table
  • Table tennis
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Trampoline

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Computer station

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • Electric bike charging
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 shared bathrooms

More

  • Heating
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 3 per cent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Guests planning to arrive outside normal check-in hours will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and an access code; 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
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Please note: The "Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds" room type is located between 2 shared bathrooms. Guests staying in this room type can expect to hear noise from guest traffic.

Access methods

Access code, front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 3 per cent

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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, debit cards and cash
Long-term renters welcome
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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, Mastercard, debit cards and cash. Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in all accommodation.

Property class

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities and services.

Property is also known as

Happy Apple Backpackers Hostel Motueka
Happy Apple Backpackers Hostel
Happy Apple Backpackers Motueka
Happy Apple Backpackers Motueka New Zealand - Nelson-Tasman
Happy Apple Backpackers Motueka
Happy Apple Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Happy Apple Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Motueka

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Happy Apple Backpackers?

Happy Apple Backpackers offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Happy Apple Backpackers?

As of 7 Nov 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Happy Apple Backpackers on 11 Nov 2026 start from NZ$111, 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.

Are there any beaches close to Happy Apple Backpackers?

The closest beach to Happy Apple Backpackers is Little Kaiteriteri Beach (10 km).

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Happy Apple Backpackers?

No, Happy Apple Backpackers does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Happy Apple Backpackers?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at Happy Apple Backpackers?

No, pets are not allowed.

Happy Apple Backpackers Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 72 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 33 out of 72 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 12 out of 72 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 72 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 72 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good for stay
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, quiet, hot showers ,good facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Nice place. Everything you need but staff not present alot & offered help for flat battery & then just disappeared. Clean & tidy. Great price.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing atmosphere.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really enjoyed my 16days here, felt relaxed enough around the place. All the staff do an awesome job making Happy Apple a great place, Thank you from James
Stayed 16 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Well equiped, well located.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly nice atmosphere
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Facilities were very clean and comfortable. Stay spoilt only by small group of people talking loudly in communal outside area until around 1am one night.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A really nice backpackers hostel. The rooms were well put together and warm during the winter. Lots of space in the kitchen and lounge and bathrooms are being renovated. Staff were really helpful and hospitable - I'd stay here again, for sure. One of the most comfortable places I have stayed on my trip through NZ.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely clean bedding & towels. Nice pillow!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An ok hostel with a nice ordoor area. The kitchen was quite dirty but the bathrooms were ok
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Hel staff
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Room was clean. Staff were very helpful. Struggled a bit with the shared kitchen and other guests not cleaning up after themselves as well as they should.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely staff. Had single room which was comfortable and warm. However the smell of weed from guests who appeared to be long-term Sawyers was a put off. Seems like the hostel is like a emergency accommodation place . The hostel policy is no drugs so these guests and the area they smoke in near carpark in a shed area needs sorting. Not acceptable at all.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Late check in was made available to us using a no contact check in. Facility was very nice. Staff answered the phone in a timely manner anytime we called with questions. Rooms were nice and tidy with comfortable beds.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lots of space to socialise in. Staff helpful. Door security to get in. Kelly was very helpful. I think that was correct name.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
definitely more than adequate! Simple and "rustic" in many regards, but really well thought-out provision of all the things you might need. Our individual room even had a refrigerator, in addition to the large freezers and refrigerators provided for all in a well stocked kitchen. Games provided. Lots of space. Parking is well organized. Definitely would return.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What I liked is you can't enter the property so easily because there's a gate/door with a code
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
There are people who stay there permanently, thus it felt more crowded than expected. Expect it to be way busier in summer months with the perms tourists. Had irresponsible people who didn't clean up their dishes and left it in the sink, food left untouched (for god knows how long) in the microwave toaster.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The room was a bit grubby (especially the fridge which had not been cleaned), and definitely needs some upgrades. Some resident locals seem to have taken over the hostel (being loud in the corridor and sort of dominating the communal spaces). There was no backpacker vibe at all.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I left the property after 30 mins and look for another one . The room smell. Tower is not provided until requested. It should not promoted to travellers who are not backpackers.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness
Das Zimmer ist in Ordnung und das Personal ist freundlich. Für eine Nacht ist es geeignet, aber ich würde es nicht für einen längeren Aufenthalt empfehlen.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
War okay. Stuhl im Zimmer wäre toll gewesen.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Die Unterkunft ist wirklich Basic.Die Kühlschränke vollgestopft,verschimmelt.Bad ok und sauber.Ich wurde von einer Kakerlake begrüßt,welche umgehend beseitigt wurde. Das Café nebenan ist toll!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed the social area and layout.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023