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Karaka Tree Motel

3.5 star property
Motel with 12 hot tubs, near Lake Taupō

Photo gallery for Karaka Tree Motel

Spa
TV
Front of property
TV
TV

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
The current price is AU$158
includes taxes & fees
5 Feb - 6 Feb

Explore the area

View 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

One Bedroom Suite

Highlights

Heating
Fridge
TV
Hairdryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Wardrobe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Heating
Fridge
TV
Hairdryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Wardrobe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard Room

Highlights

Heating
Fridge
TV
Hairdryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Wardrobe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Two Bedroom Suite

Highlights

Heating
Fridge
TV
2 bedrooms
Hairdryer
2 bathrooms
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 2 Single Beds

About the area

Taupō

At Karaka Tree Motel you'll be within a 20-minute stroll of Lake Taupō and Taupō Hot Springs. Highlights at this motel include 12 hot tubs and in-room free WiFi. .This smoke-free motel offers free WiFi in public areas and free newspapers in the lobby. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Places within a 30-minute walk of this 3.5-property class Waipahihi motel include Waipahihi Botanical Gardens and Three Mile Bay.
View more Motels in TaupōOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • 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
  • Three Mile Bay - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Maori Carvings - 3 min drive - 2.6 km

Getting around

  • Taupō Airport (TUO) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Dixie Brown's Cafe - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Cafe Baku - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Industrie French Kitchen - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Karaka Tree Motel

Motel with 12 hot tubs, near Lake Taupō
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 a hairdryer. Fridges and microwaves are provided.

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

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

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

  • Smoke-free property

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 and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out

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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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
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 major credit cards, 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 all 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

What is the cancellation policy at Karaka Tree Motel?

Karaka Tree Motel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

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

As of 29 Jan 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Karaka Tree Motel on 5 Feb 2026 start from AU$158.46, 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.

Is parking available at Karaka Tree Motel?

Yep, Karaka Tree Motel has a free self car park.

Is there a spa on site at Karaka Tree Motel?

No, there is no spa at this property. Taupō Hot Springs is a short 17-minute walk away.

Does Karaka Tree Motel have a waterslide?

No, there is no waterslide at Karaka Tree Motel, but Taupō Hot Springs is a short 17-minute walk away.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Karaka Tree Motel?

No, Karaka Tree Motel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Karaka Tree Motel?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at Karaka Tree Motel?

No, pets are not allowed.

Karaka Tree Motel Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 118 out of 423 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 153 out of 423 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 88 out of 423 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 423 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 22 out of 423 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

6.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Fraser

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

8/10 Good

Sandra

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

6/10 Okay

Sue

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It appears the property has different owners than when i last stayed here. Cleaning needs to be upgraded. The area around the fridge was very dirty and dirty towels from previous guests were left on the floor in the dpa bath room in my unit. The tv didn't work alrhough the owner attempted to get it working, he gave up in the end. There were no easy chairs in the room and heating was s tiny fan heater. The general condition of the unit was dated and slightly run down but not too bad. The plant pot ashtray outside the room had not been cleaned out and on the morning i keft, the cleaner knocked on my door at 9.30 a.m. and asked how much longer i was going to be before i vacated. Having said all that, i would probably still stay here but would look at other options first.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Gregg

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Doug

Travelled with partner
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

2/10 Terrible

Lyndell

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
this property needs to be shut down and totally renovated. It was disgusting and not a bit like the photos suggested. It was unsafe with light fittings dangling off walls heater not working holes in base of shower curtains in disrepair. The only reason we stayed was because it was late in the afternoon and we were too tired to look for an alternative it should not be on Expedia's listings, horrible place
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Sandra

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

6/10 Okay

TJ

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
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

2/10 Terrible

Mike

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No Soap provided in the bathroom. No face cloth or hand towel. Room hadn't been cleaned of cobwebs around window catch's and windows were dirty. Used shampoo packets and cobwebs down the side of the bathroom vanity. Key provided to the room didn't work. Some lights didn't work. Adjoining room door didn't lock with the key provided and no way to lock it to keep my room isolated from someone else coming in if the other room got booked. Staff seemed indifferent to this issue. No milk offered or provided. No additional bedding if it got cold. TV lost Wifi frequently. Stayed 2 days, room not serviced after the first day - which I was expecting. Check in was a joke, after 2pm (official time to check in) spent 20 minutes pushing the buzzer and calling out, 4 other people and a serviceman also waiting for attention at this time. Very poor. A little bit of effort from them could have changed this easily.
Stayed 2 nights 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