Located near the beach, Blue Dolphin Motel is in Maori Hill, a neighbourhood in Timaru. Ashbury Park and Caroline Bay Beach reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Botanical Gardens and Pleasant Point Museum and Railway. Looking to get your feet wet? Snorkelling, windsurfing and fishing adventures can be found near the property.
This smoke-free apartment building features WiFi in public areas, dry cleaning and laundry facilities. Self parking is free. Other amenities include a garden. Each apartment provides a TV with cable channels, plus a kitchenette with a fridge, a stovetop and a microwave. Added amenities include a washing machine, WiFi and a coffee/tea maker. Housekeeping is not available.
Blue Dolphin Motel offers 11 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and free toiletries. Accommodation at this 3.5-star apartment has kitchenettes with fridges, stovetops, microwaves and kitchenware and utensils. Bathrooms include baths or showers.
This Timaru apartment provides wireless Internet access for a surcharge. Cable televisions are provided.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 9:30 PM
Check-out
Check-out before 10 AM
Special check-in instructions
The property charges 3 per cent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 9 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
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 available for NZD 15.0 per day.
Cots (infant beds) are available for NZD 5.0 per day
Payment types
Important information
Optional extras
Fee for in-room wireless Internet: NZD 2 per day (rates may vary)
Fee for wireless Internet in public areas: NZD 2 per day (rates may vary)
Crib (infant bed) fee: NZD 5.0 per day
Rollaway bed fee: NZD 15.0 per day
Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 3 per cent
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Property # 9626336
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 credit cards; cash is not accepted
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, a first aid kit and window guards
National rating
Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities and services.
Frequently asked questions
Is Blue Dolphin Motel pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Blue Dolphin Motel?
As of 20 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Blue Dolphin Motel on 30 October 2026 start from NZ$152, 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.
How much is parking at Blue Dolphin Motel?
Self-parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Blue Dolphin Motel?
Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 9:30 PM.
What time is check-out at Blue Dolphin Motel?
Checkout is at 10 AM.
Does Blue Dolphin Motel provide a shuttle to the airport?
Yes, there's an airport shuttle.
Where is Blue Dolphin Motel located?
Located in Maori Hill, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Ashbury Park, Timaru Lighthouse and Aigantighe Art Gallery. Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden and South Canterbury Museum are also within 1 mile (2 km). Timaru Station is 27 minutes by foot.
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
Blue Dolphin Motel Reviews
Reviews
8.0
Very good
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Clean room, friendly & Helpful Staff
Ian
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lyn
27 February 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Room was great, nicely furnished, plenty of Kitchen Utensils and crockery. Very clean, beds very comfortable, and booking in was excellent. I would highly recommend this Motel to stay at.
Lyn
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Barbara
1 January 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
Lovely place to stay clean roomspace waz excellent
Parking was abit tight with older car but felt safe and secure
Gary
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified
8/10 Good
Douglas
21 September 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location and good transport options
Douglas
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Meral
20 November 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Great location. Clean rooms and everything you need in the kitchen.
Meral
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Marie
19 December 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great place, good bang for your buck. We had a 2 story family room that was really comfortable. It's a bit on the older side, but in good shape! We really enjoyed our stay!
Marie
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Bridget
7 September 2025
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
It was close to town and cosy & warm when we arrived.
Bridget
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Barrie
18 October 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We stayed for one night. The owner was really pleasant & helpful with Laundry room. Very clean and comfortable. Good seats for relaxing.
Nice room lovely owners will definitely be going back there
Thank you
Blair,Aimee and the 3 lil terrorist kids
Wendy
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Philippa
26 April 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great value for money
Philippa
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Yvonne
1 January 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
Handy to Town Centre. Had everything we needed. Would stay again
Yvonne
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Verified traveller
21 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Price was very reasonable so over all it was a very good stay, the 2 bedroom unit was very comfortable and the managers were very helpful, would stay here again
Verified traveller
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Greg
3 April 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
a great choice in timaru
great value motel, loads of room, close to park/beach.
Greg
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Suzanne
24 April 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Nice, clean, easy parking, easy walk into town. I would recommend this place.
Suzanne
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kimmy
12 January 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We love staying here! Its our third time now and they never disappoint!! Will definitely be back!
Kimmy
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified
4/10 Poor
Sue
20 October 2025
Disliked: Communication
Have stayed here before, found the unit dated, shower, toilet area very old, requires modernisation
Sue
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Catherine
18 June 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Comfortable beds, cleanliness of rooms
Catherine
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Daniel
12 March 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Nice clean room and upstairs and downstairs bedroom. Was very nice to stay here.
Daniel
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Peter
30 September 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Budget option for Timaru, friendly host and spacious two-bedroom unit. Odd placement of the only bathroom - an en suite of the main bedroom. Adequate kitchen with plenty of dishes.
Showing its age and budget style but fine for an overnight stay.