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.
Waipahihi, a neighbourhood in Taupō, is home to Karaka Tree Motel. Taupō Hot Springs and Taupō Marina and Boat Ramp are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Waipahihi Botanical Gardens and Spa Thermal Park. The Landing Lake Taupō and A.C. Baths are also worth visiting. Visit our Taupō travel guide
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
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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
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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
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available
Payment types at the property
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 any lifts
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 12 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Karaka Tree Motel on 15 Mar 2026 start from ₹8,202, 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 at Karaka Tree Motel?
Self-parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Karaka Tree Motel?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 8:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.
What time is check-out at Karaka Tree Motel?
Checkout 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 mile (2 km).
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Reviews
Karaka Tree Motel Reviews
7.6
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
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.
Sandra
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
6/10 Okay
Patricia
6 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean, comfortable, quiet reasonably close to town.
Patricia
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Doug
18 May 2025
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
Doug
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
4/10 Poor
Sherrina
20 Sept 2025
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!
Sherrina
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
6/10 Okay
Katy
4 Oct 2025
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.
Katy
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
8/10 Good
Helena
8 Oct 2024
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.
Helena
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
6/10 Okay
Gregg
26 May 2025
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.
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!!
Verified traveller
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
6/10 Okay
Jennifer
9 Dec 2025
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Courteous staff. Unfortunately room was not in good condition. The room had great potential but needed refurbishment
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.
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.
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!
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
Suzie
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
P
7 Oct 2024
Liked: Staff & service
Cheap and Tired
A cheap place to stay, but tired and quite run down.
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