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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

Choose dates to view prices

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

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Housekeeping
The current price is P5,777
P6,644 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 19 - Dec 20

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

One Bedroom Suite

Highlights

Heating
Refrigerator
TV
Hair dryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Twin Suite Mineral Spa

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Heating
Refrigerator
TV
Hair dryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Studio Mineral Spa

Highlights

Heating
Refrigerator
TV
Hair dryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Two Bedroom Suite

Highlights

Heating
Refrigerator
TV
2 bedrooms
Hair dryer
2 bathrooms
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 2 Twin Beds
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About the neighborhood

Map
216 Lake Terrace, Taupo, TAUPO

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

About this property

Karaka Tree Motel

Motel near Lake Taupō
Karaka Tree Motel provides a hot tub and more. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks include:
  • Free self parking
  • Free newspapers, laundry services, and smoke-free premises
Room features
All guestrooms at Karaka Tree Motel offer amenities such as free WiFi.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Refrigerators, microwaves, and cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Wardrobes/closets, coffee/tea makers, and heating

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Laptop workspace, blackout drapes, soundproofing, iron/ironing board
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  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
7.8 out of 10, Good, 828 reviews
The price is P3,182
P3,659 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 19 - Dec 20
Silver Fern Lodge

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

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 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

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.

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 Karaka Tree Motel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

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

As of Dec 18, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Karaka Tree Motel on Dec 19, 2025 start from P 5,777.31, 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.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Karaka Tree Motel?

Check-in start time: 2 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).

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Reviews

Karaka Tree Motel Reviews

7.6

Good

7.2

Cleanliness

8.0

Location

7.8

Staff & service

4.8

Eco-friendliness

6.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 116 out of 417 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 151 out of 417 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 88 out of 417 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 417 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 20 out of 417 reviews

Reviews

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Alain

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

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

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

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

6/10 Okay

Patricia

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

John

Close to town
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Harjeet Singh

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

6/10 Okay

Kelly

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

2/10 Terrible

Lyndell

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

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

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

Michelle

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

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

2/10 Terrible

Brendon

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

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

2/10 Terrible

Sherliana

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