See all properties

Karaka Tree Motel

3.5 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Karaka Tree Motel

Private spa tub
Two Bedroom Suite | Free WiFi, bed sheets
Front of property
Free WiFi, bed sheets
TV

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
216 Lake Terrace, Taupo, TAUPO
  • Place, Waipahihi Botanical Gardens
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Taupō Hot Springs
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Place, Wairakei Geothermal Power Station
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Taupō Airport (TUO)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

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 Taupō Hot Springs. The 24 rooms at this 3.5-star motel include refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers.
View more Motels in TaupōOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • beach near Kaimanawa Reserve - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Waipahihi Botanical Gardens - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Taupō Hot Springs - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Wairakei Geothermal Power Station - 2 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • Maori Carvings - 3 min drive - 1.6 miles

Getting around

  • Taupō Airport (TUO) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

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

About this property

Karaka Tree Motel

At Karaka Tree Motel, guests have access to 12 hot tubs, free WiFi in public areas, 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. Change of towels is available on request.
12 hot tubs are on site.

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

Similar properties

Courtyard
Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Taupō Central
  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
7.6 out of 10, Good, 1,004 reviews
$44 nightly
The price is $51
May 17 - May 18
Total with taxes and fees
Lakefront Lodge Taupo

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

  • 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 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: 3:00 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 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

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

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 May 9, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Karaka Tree Motel on May 23, 2026 start from $82, 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.

What can I see close to Karaka Tree Motel?

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

Is parking available on site 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 are 12 hot tubs.

Does Karaka Tree Motel have a hot tub?

No, this motel doesn't have 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.

Does Karaka Tree Motel have connecting rooms available?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

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, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at Karaka Tree Motel.

Karaka Tree Motel Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

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

7.2/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

5.8/10

Amenities

6.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Trudy

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

10/10 Excellent

Philip

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

6/10 Okay

Tom

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Nat

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

2/10 Terrible

Nigel

Traveled with partner
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

2/10 Terrible

Courtney

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Jennifer

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner
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

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

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

2/10 Terrible

Fraser

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Sandra

Traveled with group
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

2/10 Terrible

Dwayne

Traveled with family
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

6/10 Okay

Heemi

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Aleasha

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
As soon as I walked in the reception had ripped seating. Got to the room and there was stains on the bed, no soap, tv didn’t work, no smoke alarm, no hot water, the spa pool was extremely dirty. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone and will be asking for my money back. Didn’t get through 3 hours in this place! Felt so unsafe the entire time ended up forking out over $650 for safer accomodation. Will not be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Katy

Traveled with partner
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

4/10 Poor

John

Traveled with partner
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

4/10 Poor

Sherrina

Traveled with partner
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

8/10 Good

Jamsheed

Traveled with family and small children
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

2/10 Terrible

Brendon

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property dirty, unsafe with power cords all over the place, hole in floor that we would trip over. Slugs in bathroom. Holes in walls. Untidy surrounds, garbage outside windows. Poor to no. Internet access. Tvs didn't work due to internet. No sky TV as advertised on the billboard out the front. We paid for a spa unit and no spa yet advertised on Expedia and on billboard as having a spa. Unhelpful staff. No mention of a refund or partial when I approached them with the issues. Worse motel I have ever stayed in. DON'T STAY HERE
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Rhys

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property isn’t as advertised. Arrived and they couldn’t find our booking straight away. It’s the middle of winter with heavy snow on the mountains and the only heating in the room was a small fan heater, would not meet housing standards for any form of accommodation. Property isn’t maintained, room is dark and cold. We had just arrived from Ohakune and to walk into the room we knew it wasn’t going to be warm enough for the temperatures it gets down to at night. Motel refused refund, lost out on money when we had to book elsewhere due to not wanting to get sick. Bathroom is the size of a closet. Overpriced for what you get. Would not recommend. Might have to approach Ministry of Business to get the refund under the Consumers Guarantee Act at this point.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Sherliana

Traveled with family and small children
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I have to say that I’m not enjoyed my time at Karaka Tree Motel. 1. I’m expecting there’s will be spa pool in each room. Apparently it’s not. This false advertisement is very disappointing and upsetting. 2. The room is cold. Only one works heater was provided. 3. There’s exposed electrical connector hanging on the tv. It’s not even secured make it even dangerous hazards. Especially when I’m travelling with my kids. 4. There’s a connecting room that not even been locked. It’s makes me feels unsafe. Overall, I do not enjoyed my stay and will suggest others to think twice before staying in this motel. I do have some pictures to show the hazard
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Kelly

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Very dated. Heater didn't work so room was cold. Internet was not great which meant the smart tv kept buffering. We eventually switched tv off. Could hear everything from people upstairs. Uncomfortable beds. Wouldn't stay for longer than a night.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Sarah

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Dwayne

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in May 2025