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Karaka Tree Motel

3.5 star property
Travelers unwind in the spa tub at this smoke-free retreat where practical comforts like laundry services make extended stays feel effortless

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Photo gallery for Karaka Tree Motel

Private spa tub - Karaka Tree Motel (Taupo)
Front of property - Karaka Tree Motel (Taupo)
Free WiFi, bed sheets - Karaka Tree Motel (Taupo)
Two Bedroom Suite | Free WiFi, bed sheets - Karaka Tree Motel (Taupo)
TV - Karaka Tree Motel (Taupo)
In Waipahihi's Karaka Tree Motel, guests soak in the spa tub while catching up on news with complimentary newspapers. The motel combines relaxation with practicality through thoughtful amenities including laundry services and self parking throughout the smoke-free property.

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

View all photos for One Bedroom Suite

One Bedroom Suite | Free WiFi, bed sheets

One Bedroom Suite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Twin Suite Mineral Spa

Twin Suite Mineral Spa | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Suite Mineral Spa

7.4 out of 10
Good
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Studio Mineral Spa

Studio Mineral Spa | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Studio Mineral Spa

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Two Bedroom Suite

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Two Bedroom Suite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Basic Double Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Basic Double Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Waipahihi, a neighborhood in Taupō, is home to Karaka Tree Motel. Taupō Hot Springs and Taupō Marina and Boat Ramp are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Waipahihi Botanical Gardens and Spa Thermal Park. The Landing Lake Taupō and A.C. Baths are also worth visiting. Visit our Taupō travel guide
View more Motels in Taupō
Map
216 Lake Terrace, Taupo, TAUPO

What's nearby

  • Geothermal Landscape with hot boiling mud and sulphur springs due to volcanic activity in Wai-O-Tapu, Thermal Wonderland New Zealand
    Taupō Hot Springs
    14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • beach near Kaimanawa Reserve
    10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Waipahihi Botanical Gardens
    13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • beach near Taupō Central
    2 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Wairakei Geothermal Power Station
    3 min drive - 2.0 miles

Getting around

  • Taupō Airport (TUO)
    6 min drive

Restaurants

  • McDonald's
    4 min drive
  • Dixie Brown's Cafe
    6 min drive
  • The Coffee Club Taupo
    5 min drive
  • McDonald's
    3 min drive
  • Cafe Baku
    5 min drive

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • 12 hot tubs

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), lockbox

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant 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; cash is not accepted
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and window guards

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Children under 10 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool or hot tub without adult supervision

National rating

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Karaka Tree Motel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Karaka Tree Motel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Karaka Tree Motel?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Where is Karaka Tree Motel located?

Located in Waipahihi, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Waipahihi Botanical Gardens and Lake Taupō. Taupō Hot Springs and Three Mile Bay are also within 1 mi (2 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

Karaka Tree Motel Reviews

7.4

Good

7.2

Cleanliness

8.0

Location

7.8

Staff & service

6.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 118 out of 428 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 153 out of 428 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 89 out of 428 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 45 out of 428 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 23 out of 428 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Philip

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super friendly manager handy to everywhere bed comfy
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Trudy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spotless room and bedding. Lovely staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Nat

Liked: Cleanliness
The room was sparse and tidy. Staff were courteous and efficient
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean, comfortable, quiet reasonably close to town.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Mike

Liked: Cleanliness
Room was tidy and functional but nothing flash. TV didn’t work and the kitchenette was lacking bowls. Room was quiet though and I had a good sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Sandra

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I like the spa room plenty of space, got what I asked for ie shortage of towels/bathmats. Kitchen handy location in room but needs simple cleaning overall. Average stay for the price. Could do with a small couch inside and table/chairs for outside usage to enjoy the view of lake.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Doug

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
I really liked the healthy retreat we have every time we visit the spa is awesome just same as debrets but in your room... Didn't really have anything to say negative about my stay always good service ect
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Helena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Overall a decent property to stay for its price. Just a bit run down with broken door handle and leaky room stain otherwise good. Staff are friendly and courteous.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

Sherrina

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
The person on duty was so accomodating n friendly. He was amazing. The place was missing lots of things, maybe too higher expectations for what we paid like TV didn’t work, only coffee, no spare blankets on cold night, limited power points. Place was clean and he allowed us to swap rooms. Spoke to people who have stayed there before and doesn’t sound like anything has changed! Sad! Won’t stay there again!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Katy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Room spacious, had private, geothermal mineral spa, clean but battered furniture. Fine for the price. New management have not yet seen to repairs in rooms (spa bathplug, light bulbs) nor sorted appropriate utensils eg, frying pan but cooking is by microwave. Only a glass salad bowl for microwave…four mismatched plates and bowls, just 1 wineglass. Two plates had toast crumbs on our arrival. Young and older women staff friendly, others a little rusty.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Gregg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
We got a good deal on this property. We have stayed here a number of times pre covid. Accepting this is a budget motel, I was happy with the motel. TV set up was not great along with the internet and we couldn't get the microwave to work. The hot pool that fills in lightning speed off set the rest of it. Iwas very satisfied for the value for money. I think some of the other reviesw were a bit harsh for what you pay.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

A little cleaning would go along way!!

I checked in and gave cash but they could not provide me with a receipt, ended up having to pay by card and only got an eftpos receipt!!. No milk was given for our room. There was no spa for us to use either and no apology given. The beds were super comfy though and the rooms were very spacious, the sheets were also clean. The cleaning left alot to be desired, beside the fridge looked like it had not been cleaned for years, same with beside the shower and on top of a plug was thick in dirt! Was not impressed either at getting a knock on the door at 9.27 asking when we were checking out as checkout was between 9 and 10!!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alain

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoy the stay
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

Emma

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our room was extremely run down: paster patches to cover hole on the walls and doors that hadn't been painted over, mismatched cupboards in the kitchen falling off their hinges, expanding wood panelling around the bathroom bench, loose wall sockets I wouldn't put my phone charger into due to safety, stains on the unused toilet paper sitting on the floor by the toilet, rotting wood around the bottom of doors and cockroaches in the bathroom and running around the kitchen bench - I took photos of all of this as I am not exaggerating at the terrible rundown state of our room! Disgraceful to assuming this room was in a condition to host visitors to the area!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Jennifer

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Courteous staff. Unfortunately room was not in good condition. The room had great potential but needed refurbishment
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Jamsheed

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff. clean amenities. Only improvement we could pick was a heat pump in the room.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Teresa

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was old and smells very musty. Very dated and carpet needs a good clean Bathroom is outdated. Room was not serviced over the 2 days I was there
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John

Close to town
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dwayne

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love the hige spa pools , would be nicer if they had a good clean everynow and again though
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Lana

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Communication prior to arrival practically non existent with no confirmation until the day before that we could check in early. I wasn’t expecting the Hilton but overall cleanliness was terrible. Obviously this premise was used as overflow for social housing and no remodelling since- holes fixed, shower door missing, dirty used toilet brush, filthy short shower curtain in place of broken shower door, I had to clean the mirror to see ourselves, no dishcloth to enable self clean up, no facecloths. Bedding was clean although pillows were overdue to be replaced as all four were pancakes. Shower pressure abysmal (couldn’t wash my hair) which was probably due to stop flooding the bathroom as door missing. The price was great as we were at event most of time but even with old tired establishments there is no reason for fifth.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Nigel

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
False advertisement: the booking said, a spa in every room. ( No spa). Couldn't turn the tv on because 1, batteries were flat and 2, there was no antenna cord. Room had no air con, so room was quite stuffy. The toilet had no ventilation and was in the middle of the apartment. Also woke up in the morning to find around 50-60 ants running on the kitchen bench. And also the price was way over priced $170 for what we received. Sorry but not happy.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Harjeet Singh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Totally worth it.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Dwayne

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I booked and paid for a one bedroom suite with a spa and we ended being put in a dirty 1 room unit that had unrepaired screwholes in the shower, i felt dirtier aftwr i got out, not only did their clerk not really seem to care but also our room had no spa pool in it and believe it or not we didnt even get a tv in the room, ive stayed many times and love the spa units but this room (12a) was gross with no features. I give 1 star because the bed was comfy but thats it.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

P

Liked: Staff & service

Cheap and Tired

A cheap place to stay, but tired and quite run down.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

John

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Not enough cutlery or crockery tv very poor and cutout all the time shower base broken no bathmat
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025