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Karaka Tree Motel

3.5 star property
3.5-star motel in Waipahihi

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Photo gallery for Karaka Tree Motel

Private spa tub
One Bedroom Suite
Meeting facility
Free WiFi, bed sheets
Hair dryer, towels

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, beach near Kaimanawa Reserve
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Waipahihi Botanical Gardens
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Taupō Hot Springs
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Airport, Taupō Airport (TUO)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for One Bedroom Suite

One Bedroom Suite

One Bedroom Suite

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

View all photos for Twin Suite Mineral Spa

Standard Room

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

Standard Room

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 area

Taupō

Waipahihi stay.With a stay at this Waipahihi motel, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Waipahihi Botanical Gardens and 2 miles (3 km) of Taupō Hot Springs. Lake Taupō and Three Mile Bay are also within 2 miles (3 km).
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What's nearby

  • beach near Kaimanawa Reserve - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Waipahihi Botanical Gardens - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Taupō Hot Springs - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Wairakei Geothermal Power Station - 2 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Maori Carvings - 3 min drive - 2.6 km

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

3.5-star motel in Waipahihi
Karaka Tree Motel offers its guests 12 hot tubs. Public spaces have free WiFi. Free self parking is available.

This 3.5-star Taupō motel is smoke free.

  • 24 guestrooms or units
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • No smoking on site
Karaka Tree Motel offers 24 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include phones along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested.

Similar properties

Courtyard
Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Taupō Central
  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
3.8 out of 5, Good, 1,004 reviews
The price is CA $63
CA $73 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 14 - Jun 15
Lakefront Lodge Taupo

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • TV

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

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

  • No pets 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
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, American Express, Diners Club, and JCB International. Cash is not accepted. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and window guards in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

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

How close is Karaka Tree Motel to the airport?

Karaka Tree Motel is 3.4 mi (6-min drive) away from the Taupō Airport (TUO) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Jun 2, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Karaka Tree Motel on Jul 3, 2026 start from CA $126, 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.

Does Karaka Tree Motel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Karaka Tree Motel.

Does Karaka Tree Motel offer free breakfast?

Karaka Tree Motel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Karaka Tree Motel?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Karaka Tree Motel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Karaka Tree Motel?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Karaka Tree Motel have a pool?

Karaka Tree Motel does not have a pool.

Does Karaka Tree Motel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Karaka Tree Motel to downtown Taupō?

Karaka Tree Motel is 1.7 mi away from Taupō.

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Alain

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

John

Close to town
Stayed 1 night in Jan 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

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

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

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

Harjeet Singh

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

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
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

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
Verified

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
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