Executive Motel Taupo New Zealand | Perfectly Situated For Our 12 Mile Hike

Executive Motel Taupo New Zealand - front view

Executive Motel Taupo New Zealand is a great place to stay

If you are visiting the North Island of New Zealand, there’s a good chance that you’ll stop by in beautiful Rotorua. You may also even be considering the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (totally the highlight of my trip).

If you are looking for a place to stay for the big hike that’s within a reasonable price, then this motel is worth considering.

The ambiance of the Executive Motel Taupo New Zealand

This motel is a contrast from the typical motel experience I’ve had in North America. I found the place to be clean with a family-oriented feel. The best thing about this motel is that it is QUIET at night. Which meant I would feel well rested for the big hike.

The biggest downside to the motel is that the onsite parking lot is tight and hard to maneuver.

The room at the Executive Motel Taupo New Zealand

Executive Motel Taupo New Zealand - two beds

Our room came with two beds!

The hotel room was quite spacious and had a double bed and a twin bed. I believe that was the smallest room on the property. That meant a family with children or a small group of friends would be comfortable staying at this motel. There is also a couch and a small table to eat on as well.

Executive Motel Taupo New Zealand - couch and table

The room has a small couch and a small table that we used for dinner

I loved the kitchenette the most because we were able to cook some relatively healthy meals.

Executive Motel Taupo New Zealand - kitchenette

Our little kitchenette! There were glasses, bowls, plates, a toaster, cutlery, and pots for guests to use

While there is a lot of delicious things to eat in New Zealand, we were scaling back on eating out since we were in the country for over a month. At this point in our travels, we started to try to eat healthier and prepare food that is less processed. Having a kitchen made it easier for us to cook our own meals.

Like most motels, this one had heaters in the main room and the bathroom, meaning that that bathroom will be warm and toasty for my shower.

Executive Motel Taupo New Zealand - bathroom

The bathroom

How well was my sleep? What made my rest so good?

While in the daytime we could hear our neighbours, I was quite happy at how quiet the room was at night. I was a little bit anxious about not sleeping enough for our Tongariro hike since it was an eight-hour hike. Fortunately, I managed to pass out and wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the trek. Honestly, getting good quality sleep was my main prerequisite for this crazy hike.

Another thing I often look for in a motel is a secondary lock

While there was no secondary lock or chain on the door, we felt pretty safe in the area. I usually feel much safer when the owners are onsite.

The owners of the Executive Motel Taupo New Zealand

Steve and Gil are the owners of the motel and make excellent hosts. While I never had the chance to meet Steve, Gil took good care of us during our stay. They used to live on the South Island before moving to the North Island and are a huge advocate for Taupo. I’m starting to suspect with its prime location that Taupo is North Island’s hidden gem.

The service at the Executive Motel Taupo New Zealand

Reception

The service was outstanding, honestly one of the best we experienced in New Zealand. It started as soon as we checked in late in the afternoon and told her about our hike. Gil became concerned about weather conditions and told us we should call the shuttle bus office to get an update on weather conditions. Without hesitation, she immediately called the office since the office closes early. She then confirmed all the little details for our big hike, all before even checking us in! She again double checked online for the weather and gave us tons of useful tips.

She even gave us little Kleenexes and extra towels to bring in case it rained, or we needed a change of clothes. Something we would have never thought of had it not been for her!

We are very grateful for the little thoughtful gestures that she had. Even as we checked out, she continued to share travel tips and also her experiences living in New Zealand. It was nice to talk to a local and reminds me of how there’s so much info that you’d never come across online.

Going above and beyond for laundry service

We had our laundry done by the motel on the day of our hike. At night when Gil came into our room to drop off our clothes, she turned on a night light so that we won’t be stumbling in the darkness after our crazy hike. That was a thoughtful touch because the main light switches are not close to the front entrance.

The location of Executive Motel Taupo New Zealand

Executive Motel Taupo New Zealand - Tongariro Alpine Crossing

This motel is within a reasonable distance if you are doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The location was pretty good – our main point of reference was Pak n Save and Tongariro crossing, to be honest, and it was a short drive to both. The other great thing that we missed out on this motel is its proximity to the Tauparapara Bay. It was right across the street from the motel. Sadly, we didn’t have the chance to visit the beach because our stay in Taupo was short.

Another great thing about the location is that restaurants are within walking distance.

With regards to safety, it is okay to walk in the area at night. We saw quite a few people jogging and walking when we left our hotel at 6.30am for the hike.

Conclusion

Consider staying at this motel if you plan to visit in Rotorua. You’ll experience outstanding customer service from the owners and will feel well cared. As well, the proximity to the different attractions will save you time from not having to drive too much.