15 BEST Motels in Taupo 🏘️ [2023]

Where to Find the Best Motel Accommodation in Taupo

We get it, looking at motels in Taupo is like looking for, well, hay in a haystack! The lakefront town is brimming with them, offering convenient and budget-friendly lodgings across town, but which one is the best to choose? Whether you’re looking for a quiet motel for a romantic night in or somewhere to stay with the family, we’ve got you covered with this complete list of the best motels in Taupo!

While you’re planning your stay in Taupo, make sure you don’t miss the best experiences by browsing the 20 Best Things to Do in Taupo.

1. eMotel – The Best Motel in Taupo

As the name suggests, eMotel is a contemporary motel with techy touches, such as receiving your apartment number and code by text/email on the day of arrival, as well as free WiFi and 55″ smart TVs available in each apartment. Kitchen facilities are also included, as well as welcome extras like a lake view and a private sunny courtyard. There are two room types at eMotel, including a one-bedroom apartment and a two-bedroom apartment with a super-king bed in one room and two king singles in the other.

Check eMotel out:

2. Baycrest Lodge – Taupo Motel with a Pool

For a motel accommodation that goes the extra mile when it comes to quality and design, check out Baycrest Lodge. Kitchenettes are all part of the parcel here, as well as some family suites and suites ideal for couples with its own in-ground hot pool. The Baycrest is designed for a glorious night in, with features to make your stay comfortable, such as underfloor heating, a spa bath and some rooms with a balcony. You can also treat yourself to breakfast in bed with breakfast delivery.

Check Baycrest Lodge out:

3. Boulevard Waters Motor Lodge – Taupo Motel with a Spa

A modern boutique lodge on the shores of Lake Taupo and scenic walk or cycle ride from town, Boulevard Waters Motor Lodge is well worth considering for your stay in Taupo. There are a variety of lake view rooms or courtyard rooms to choose from – all with a spa! There’s a geothermally heated plunge pool on the premises, while the lake is moments away for a refreshing dip. Discover more stays like this in the 20 Best Hotels in Taupo.

Check Boulevard Waters Motor Lodge out:

4. Lake Taupo Motor Inn – Taupo Motel Close to Town

More spacious motels in Taupo await at the Lake Taupo Motor Inn. Each suite, studio or unit features its own kitchenette to make use of ingredients purchased from the nearby supermarket. There’s a motel room for every type of traveller, from friends in the “Ground Studio Rooms” with a twin bed set-up to families staying in the “Two-Bedroom Luxury Suites”. The motor inn also has on-site parking, an outdoor heated pool and barbecue facilities to enjoy.

Check Lake Taupo Motor Inn out:

5. Beechtree Motel – Upscale Motel on Rifle Range Road

An ultra-modern motel with architecture that can’t help but turn heads, Beechtree Motel is a fantastic choice for couples, business travellers, groups and families looking for a high-end motel in Taupo. The 39 rooms of this accommodation include studios and two and three-bedroom apartments with all of the fixings. Each room has Sky TV and free WiFi and is furnished to the standard of a four-star hotel. What’s more, the motel is within a short walking distance of town. For more upscale stays like this, see the 15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Taupo.

Check Beechtree Motel out:

6. Gables Lakefront Motel – Taupo Motel on the Waterfront

Not only are you positioned just across the road from Lake Taupo, but you’ll be at one of the idyllic beachfront locations when you stay at Gables Lakefront Motel – all of this still within walking distance from town. For couples, pick the “Superior One-Bedroom Unit” complete with stunning lake views and a private hot pool. Families will also find ample space in the “Family Two/Three-Bedroom Apartment”. All accommodation is self-contained and has free WiFi, Sky TV and access to on-site parking.

Check Gables Lakefront Motel out:

7. The Lake Motel – Stylish Motel in Taupo

Arguably one of the most characterful motels in Taupo, The Lake Motel is kitted out with stylish retro furniture. Choose your style: the “60s Suite”, a “70s Suite” or just make do with the popping colours and interesting trinkets of the motel’s other suites and studios. Each room offers free WiFi and Sky TV, while most rooms have a small kitchenette and a sociable open-plan dining area. As for location, you’re a little out of the town centre with the lake accessible within a five-minute walk. For more self-catering stays like this in our 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Taupo.

Check The Lake Motel out:

8. Dunrovin Motel – Taupo Motel a Short Walk from the Lake and Town Centre

Providing modernly renovated self-contained studios and apartments in Taupo, Dunrovin Motel has everything you need to enjoy an independent stay in Taupo. Make use of your studio’s kitchenette by making your own meals, like the meals we mention in our recipe guides. On top of that, you have free on-site parking, free WiFi and more.

Check Dunrovin Motel out:

9. Cottage Mews Motel – Lakefront Motel in Taupo

Offering vintage charm and decorated with flowers, Cottage Mews Motel is a fantastic accommodation to enjoy summer in Taupo, especially with the lakefront being moments away. The “Family Cottage” sleeps up to five people and features a whirlpool bath, balcony, a private garden courtyard, a kitchen, living and dining area. Portacots and highchairs are available for your convenience, while the kayak and bike hire is available for your enjoyment.

Check Cottage Mews Motel out:

10. 52 on Rifle Taupo – The Best Taupo Motel for Families

The fresh and clean decor makes the 52 on Rifle Motel a motel in Taupo that you’ll be pleased to spend some time in. The units have been set up especially with families in mind, with even their smallest accommodation sleeping up to four people. The motel is built around a park-like setting giving the little ones plenty of space to play whether it’s in the swimming pool, on the playground or in the games room. What’s more, the motel is just a short walk from town, as well as the lakefront. See more like this in the 15 BEST Family Accommodations in Taupo.

Check 52 on Rifle Motel out:

11. Phoenix Resort – Taupo – The Best Motel for Couples

Set among gorgeous rose gardens and just across the road from the sparkling Lake Taupo, Phoenix Resort offers a romantic motel in Taupo. What’s more, the mineral thermal pools in each studio and apartment provide a tranquil place to relax after a day of exploring. Wake up to a plunger coffee, prepare a special breakfast with your own kitchenette facilities and enjoy summer evening around the barbecue. While the Phoenix Resort is a little out of town, there’s free on-site parking and the walking trail along the lake is not a bad way to get into town. This motel also features in our 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Taupo.

Check Phoenix Resort out:

12. Chevron Motel – Cheap Motel in Taupo

For cheap yet fully self-contained accommodation in Taupo, try Chevron Motel. Well within the budget category and often having promotions, Chevron Motel is worth considering. Apartments offer good value for money for couples with a private patio, kitchen, bathroom, seating and dining areas. Not only is it centrally located in Taupo, but the motel has free WiFi and free on-site parking. See more recommendations like this in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Taupo.

Check Chevron Motel out:

13. Acapulco Motor Inn – Cheap Family Motel in Taupo

Looking for budget family accommodation with a central location in Taupo? Set your sights on Acapulco Motor Inn offering units that sleep up to eight guests, so even the largest tribes will fit here. The motel offers one and two-bedroom motel units, some including a private spa bath or spa pool. There are also convenient kitchen facilities in each unit, as well as free WiFi. Find this motel on Rifle Range Road, just a short walk from town.

Check Acapulco Motor Inn out:

14. Accent on Taupo Motor Lodge – Pet-Friendly Motel in Taupo

Located at Two Mile Bay, which is a little out of town but a tranquil retreat nonetheless, Accent on Taupo offers a selection of apartments, cottages and villas just across the road from Lake Taupo itself! Each apartment has a kitchenette, as well as a deck and Sky TV, while most also have a sun-soaked deck. There are some very reasonably-priced studios available, while there’s plenty of room for families and even pets in their designated pet-friendly units.

Check Accent on Taupo out:

15. Karaka Tree Motel – Taupo Motel on Lake Terrace

Enjoy privacy and pampering at the Karaka Tree Motel which prides itself on being the only motel in Taupo where every room has a private mineral spa pool. Find a suitable space in one of their one-bedroom suites that comfortably sleep up to four people or two-bedroom suites provide space for up to six guests. Each suite features kitchen facilities, free WiFi and Sky TV. The motel is about a 20-minute walk from the town centre yet close to eateries that line the lakefront.

Check Karaka Tree Motel out:

More Motels in Taupo

Now that you know the best motels in Taupo, check out what awesome things there are to do, as well as alternative accommodations:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Taupo.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

Contact Laura via our contact page