Karaka Tree Motel

3.5 star property
Motel with free parking, near Lake Taupō

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Karaka Tree Motel

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets
Hair dryer, towels
TV
Spa
Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, cookware/dishes/utensils

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
216 Lake Terrace, Taupo, TAUPO
  • Taupō Hot Springs
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Spa Thermal Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • A.C. Baths
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Taupō Airport (TUO)
    ‪8 min drive‬

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Room options

Studio Mineral Spa

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

One Bedroom Suite

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Twin Suite Mineral Spa

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Two Bedroom Suite

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Taupō

Located in Waipahihi within a short walk of Waipahihi Botanical Gardens, Karaka Tree Motel is within a mile (2 km) of Lake Taupō. This 24-room, 3.5-star motel has conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and a hot tub.

What's nearby

  • Taupō Hot Springs - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Wairakei Geothermal Power Station - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • Spa Thermal Park - 4 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • Taupō Marina and Boat Ramp - 5 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • A.C. Baths - 5 min drive - 2.5 miles

Getting around

  • Taupō Airport (TUO) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Two Mile Bay Sailing Club - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Malabar Beyond India - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Mole & Chicken Restaurant, Cafe & Bar - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪The Fish Box - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Karaka Tree Motel

Motel with free parking, near Lake Taupō
At Karaka Tree Motel, guests have access to free WiFi in public areas, a hot tub, and free newspapers. If you drive, take advantage of free parking. Friendly staff can provide front-desk service during limited hours, and also offer advice about sightseeing.
Guests can expect to find TVs and stay connected with free WiFi. Refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers are other standard amenities.
Recreational amenities at the motel include a hot tub.

Children under 10 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool or hot tub without adult supervision.

Languages

English

Similar properties

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

  • Hot tub

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

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: 2 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 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

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 major 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
  • Check-in: 2 PM—-8:00 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 major credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and window guards.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • Noise-free rooms can't be guaranteed.

National rating

For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our rating system.

Property is also known as

Karaka Motel
Karaka Tree Motel Motel
Karaka Tree Motel
Karaka Tree Motel Taupo
Karaka Tree Taupo
Karaka Tree Hotel Taupo
Karaka Tree Motel Taupo
Karaka Tree Motel Motel Taupo

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Karaka Tree Motel?

Karaka Tree Motel provides free cancellation on some room rates. If you'd like to learn more, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Karaka Tree Motel?

As of Jul 9, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Karaka Tree Motel on Jul 19, 2025 start from $102.04, excluding 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.

What can I see close to Karaka Tree Motel?

This motel is situated in Waipahihi within a short 18-minute walk of Lake Taupō and also 17 minutes on foot from Taupō Hot Springs. You'll also find Spa Thermal Park and A.C. Baths within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Karaka Tree Motel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel.

Does Karaka Tree Motel have a casino on the premises?

No, Karaka Tree Motel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Karaka Tree Motel?

No, this motel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.

Does Karaka Tree Motel have a hot tub?

Yes, this motel has a spa tub.

Does Karaka Tree Motel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Karaka Tree Motel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Karaka Tree Motel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Karaka Tree Motel.

Are there connecting rooms at Karaka Tree Motel?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

Where is the closest airport to Karaka Tree Motel?

The closest major airport to Karaka Tree Motel is Taupō Airport (TUO), which is 3.4 mi away (6 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Karaka Tree Motel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Karaka Tree Motel.

Karaka Tree Motel Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 116 out of 405 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 149 out of 405 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 84 out of 405 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 40 out of 405 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 16 out of 405 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

6.2/10

Amenities

6.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

4.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Rex

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Smoke detector was removed, Mineral bath was dirty, leaking tap in bathroom, low water pressure in shower, cigarette butts in container outside window, no milk given, general condition of unit was out-dated and needed a lot of maintenance
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with group
Close to town
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Suzie

Liked: Staff & service
The manager was lovely and the bed was clean and comfortable but the shower was dirty and the bench in the kitchen was chipped plus there were spiders above two light switches and on the wall
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Janette

This place is not like the picture show in very need of repaint, curtains with rips and not even hung up holes and walls!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Graeme

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property needed a major tidy up with weeds and dead plants in pots etc. No SKY as advertised. Rooms very outdated and in need of repair. Cleaning left a lot to be desired. Also office still closed for checkout at 8.45am.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Patricia

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

4/10 Poor

Bella

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very old and run down. Dusty and bathroom not clean. No milk provided even when advised they would drop it off. Tv wouldnt work. Jug had to have the switch held to boil. Extra pillows where gross(glad we had our own) Glad we were only one night. Will not be returning
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Karen E

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

Matthew

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Shocking stay

Upon arrival to our room, the first thing we noticed was the used towels on the floor in the spa room covered in hair. Next we noticed stalks of cherries and strawberries ends left next to the spa, the spa was not clean. All doors were damaged or had been smashed, the door lock was fiddly to secure. The mirrors were dirty and had not been cleaned. There were ‘white mark’ stains on the couch, the tv did not have Sky as it was advertised. The kitchenette doors did not close (and half were missing) and kitchen was dirty. Bathroom was gross, floor had grime and there was mould on the ceiling and bits of toilet paper left on the floor. The light fixing/vent was completely exposed with cobwebs and dirty hanging. There was no toilet paper in the holder. After bringing the ‘dirty towels’ to the staffs attention it seemed there was no care, although they were removed. The room was out dated, and there was no effort taken to improve or actually clean anything. We didn’t spend anytime in the room, and left earlier than expected.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Harjeet Singh

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

2/10 Terrible

Angela

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
the room smelt very musty, it was run down, the kitchen sink tap was almost coming off at the base, the teatowel and cloth was dirty, all the cutley, dishes and cooking gear was filty, repairs in the showeroom were unfinished, curtains in the second room were coming off ...fire alarm was beeping all night, TV would not go.....no milk etc etc the manager was a lovely man who had only been there 2 months. he was the only good thing.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

2/10 Terrible

Michelle

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nothing positive about this hotel - except it’s cheap. Such a shame as it was good once. Just been let go….
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Helena

Traveled with family and small children
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

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

2/10 Terrible

Bert

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dani

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent service by the staff. Called me before i arrived and had my room and parking sorted ready for my arrival.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lake across the road, easy access to town, mineral pool to soak in.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spa was great, soap dispenser should be checked and does need a bit of TLC
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The mineral pool is great but you can't get into the shower if you are on crutches and the whole place is a bit threadbear
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our ferry was delayed so wasnt going to make it back to Taupo in time to check in by 8pm. Rang reception to let them know and they had our room ready with the heater on for us when we got there at 9.30pm. We were really impressed.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Clean motel with helpful, friendly staff. Room was quite dated though and the heating/ventilation could do with upgrading.
Stayed 1 night in May 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very basic facilities. But we love the deep mineral spa pool..so always stay here.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

tM dtay

Contactless check-in and out felt impersonal and distant...but I guess that was the purpose. KTM is getting dated and tired, but nice to have a soak.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020

6/10 Okay

Bobby, Auckland

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
No stove., toilets old ,shower doors not working properly.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020