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Blue Dolphin Motel

3.5 star property

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Photo gallery for Blue Dolphin Motel

Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Kitchen (apartment 9) | WiFi, wheelchair access
Property entrance
TV
Fridge, microwave, stovetop, coffee/tea maker
WiFi, wheelchair access

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Parking included
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
40 Evans Street, Timaru
  • Place, Caroline Bay Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Timaru Lighthouse
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Timaru (TIU-Richard Pearse)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Apartment 6)

Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Apartment 6) | WiFi, wheelchair access

Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Apartment 6)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Twin Beds and 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Apartment 5)

Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Apartment 5) | Living area | TV

Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Apartment 5)

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 7
  • 3 Twin Beds, 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Kitchenette (Apartment 7)

Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Kitchenette (Apartment 7) | Living area | TV

Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Kitchenette (Apartment 7)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Kitchen (I Bdrm Apartments 2,3,& 4)

Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Kitchen (I Bdrm Apartments 2,3,& 4) | In-room dining

Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Kitchen (I Bdrm Apartments 2,3,& 4)

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Kitchen (apartment 9)

Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Kitchen (apartment 9) | WiFi, wheelchair access

Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Kitchen (apartment 9)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed, 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Standard Studio, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Excec. Studio Apartment)

Standard Studio, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Excec. Studio Apartment) | Living area | TV

Standard Studio, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Excec. Studio Apartment)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Apartment 1)

Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Apartment 1) | Living area | TV

Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Apartment 1)

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Beds and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Apartments 8 &10)

Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Apartments 8 &10) | Living area | TV

Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Apartments 8 &10)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Timaru

Located in Maori Hill, Blue Dolphin Motel is within a 10-minute stroll of sights such as Ashbury Park and Timaru Lighthouse. Each of the 11 rooms at this 3.5-star apartment building includes a kitchenette, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
View more Apartments in TimaruOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Ashbury Park - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Caroline Bay Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Timaru Lighthouse - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Aigantighe Art Gallery - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • Timaru Station - 2 min drive
  • Timaru (TIU-Richard Pearse) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Burger King - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Kfc - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Sopheze - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪The Bay Hill - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Old Bank Cafe And Bar - ‬16 min walk

About this property

Blue Dolphin Motel

Blue Dolphin Motel features WiFi in public areas, a terrace, and laundry facilities. There's free parking and an airport shuttle for a fee. Front-desk staff can assist with luggage storage and dry cleaning/laundry. This smoke-free apartment building also has a garden.
Each apartment is heated and features a kitchenette with a refrigerator, a microwave, and a stovetop. A TV comes with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine and a coffee maker. Housekeeping is not available.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: WiFi (NZD 2 per day)
  • Available in some public areas: WiFi (NZD 2 per day)

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site

Kitchenette

  • Cleaning supplies
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • Rollaway/extra bed: NZD 15 per day

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with cable channels

Outdoor areas

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Laundry

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • No housekeeping service

Things to do

  • Fishing nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Security system
  • Window guards
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • 11 units
  • Garden

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 percent 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

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for NZD 15.0 per day
  • Cribs/infant beds are available for NZD 5.0 per day

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • 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 percent

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

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 credit cards; cash is not accepted
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated 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
  • Check-in: 2 PM—-9:30 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (fees apply). Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, 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.

Property is also known as

Blue Dolphin Motel Timaru
Blue Dolphin Motel
Blue Dolphin Timaru
Blue Dolphin Motel Timaru
Blue Dolphin Motel Apartment
Blue Dolphin Motel Apartment Timaru

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Blue Dolphin Motel?

Blue Dolphin Motel offers free cancellation on certain room rates. If you'd like to learn more, review the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Blue Dolphin Motel?

As of Apr 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Blue Dolphin Motel on Apr 11, 2026 start from $83, 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.

What's there to do around Blue Dolphin Motel?

This apartment is situated in Maori Hill within a 10-minute walk of Ashbury Park, Timaru Lighthouse, and Aigantighe Art Gallery. You'll also find Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden and South Canterbury Museum less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at this apartment?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the apartment.

Does Blue Dolphin Motel feature a casino on the premises?

No, Blue Dolphin Motel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Blue Dolphin Motel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this apartment.

Is Blue Dolphin Motel a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this apartment will value amenities like a kitchenette, kitchens in some apartments, as well as a terrace.

Does Blue Dolphin Motel have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this apartment.

Does Blue Dolphin Motel have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, Blue Dolphin Motel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Blue Dolphin Motel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Blue Dolphin Motel.

How far is the airport from Blue Dolphin Motel?

The closest major airport to Blue Dolphin Motel is Timaru (TIU-Richard Pearse), which is 7 mi away (13 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Blue Dolphin Motel?

Yes, some apartments at this apartment offer a balcony where guests can enjoy garden or courtyard views.

Blue Dolphin Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 54 out of 168 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 74 out of 168 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 25 out of 168 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 168 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 168 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Carthik

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Staff could be a bit more friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Lovely place to stay clean roomspace waz excellent
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Gillian

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Room was well resourced although couldn’t find an iron or ironing board- comfortable and clean
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meral

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Great location. Clean rooms and everything you need in the kitchen.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Sue

Have stayed here before, found the unit dated, shower, toilet area very old, requires modernisation
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barrie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed for one night. The owner was really pleasant & helpful with Laundry room. Very clean and comfortable. Good seats for relaxing.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Peter

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
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.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Douglas

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and good transport options
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Louisa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Bridget

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was close to town and cosy & warm when we arrived.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Robert

Disliked: Cleanliness
Bed sheets had not been changed when I arrived and cups were not cleaned properly
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Vivienne

Liked: Cleanliness
It was comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Nice room lovely owners will definitely be going back there Thank you Blair,Aimee and the 3 lil terrorist kids
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Ron

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Philippa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Great value for money
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and tidy, there was everything we needed in the room. Only downside was there were roadworks directly in front of the room at the time of the visit (they stopped by 8.00pm so didn't affect us too much)and due to general traffic noise it would have been hard to sleep in if we hadn't needed to get up early.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carole

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
We were near the beach and able to walk to the botanical gardens. We stopped to eat on the way back. Room was spotlessly clean. Bed was very comfortable. Good facilities.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Roy

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property. Good and adequate amenities. Very comfortable except for drainage in the shower. Feel as though you’re wading in water because of slow drainage.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Very run down property. The Lady was very snappy. Was clean and beds were comfy. Right on the highway and limited parking.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Yvonne

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Handy to Town Centre. Had everything we needed. Would stay again
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bruce

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable, clean and cosy
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice. Mid week short notice. Exceeded expectations for the price.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nina

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024