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Dolphin Motel

2.0 star property
Motel near Bay of Islands in Paihia

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Photo gallery for Dolphin Motel

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes
Blue Dolphin Block Superior Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Living room | 32-inch LCD TV with satellite channels, TV
Garden
Blue Dolphin Block Superior Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Living area | 32-inch LCD TV with satellite channels, TV
Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 1 King Bed | Private kitchenette | Mini-fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, toaster

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
69 Williams Road, Paihia, 0200
  • Place, Paihia Wharf
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Paihia Beach
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Opua Forest
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Airport, Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Studio (King)

Studio (King) | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes

Studio (King)

7.8 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)
  • 258 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Standard Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes

Standard Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

7.0 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • 409 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)
  • 560 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 7
  • 2 Queen Beds and 3 Twin Beds

Studio Suite, Multiple Beds

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 409 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Studio (Queen)

Studio (Queen) | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes

Studio (Queen)

7.4 out of 10
Good
(3 reviews)
  • 226 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 2 Queen Beds

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 2 Queen Beds | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 2 Queen Beds

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 1 King Bed

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 1 King Bed | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 1 King Bed

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(11 reviews)
  • 301 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Blue Dolphin Block Superior Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 495 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 1 King Bed, Accessible | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 1 King Bed, Accessible

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)
  • 301 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Paihia

In Paihia .Within a 10-minute walk of the motel, you'll find Bay of Islands and Paihia Beach. Paihia Wharf and St Paul’s Church are also within half a mile (1 km).
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What's nearby

  • Paihia Wharf - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Paihia Beach - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • St Paul’s Church - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Opua Forest - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Makana Chocolate Boutique - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

  • Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Orange Frog - ‬4 min walk
  • Duke of Marlborough Hotel
  • ‪Charlotte's Kitchen - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Mako Beach Bar - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Bad Habits - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Dolphin Motel

Motel near Bay of Islands in Paihia
Dolphin Motel offers its guests barbecue grills, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden. WiFi is free in public spaces. Dolphin Motel also features a picnic area and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available.

This Paihia motel is smoke free.

  • 30 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 2 buildings
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
Dolphin Motel offers 30 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. 32-inch LCD televisions come with satellite channels.

Bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is offered once per stay and irons/ironing boards can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini-fridge

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 2 accessible parking spaces
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch LCD TV with satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Restaurant dining guides
  • Toaster

More

  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 6:00 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 5:00 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

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 3 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Property payment types

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
Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 23 years old
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and outdoor lighting
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 23 years old. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards, and cash. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and outdoor lighting in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Property Registration Number 115946340

We should mention

  • Up to 2 children 3 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Alcohol isn't served at Dolphin Motel.

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities, and services.

Property is also known as

Dolphin Motel Paihia
Dolphin Paihia
Dolphin Motel Motel
Dolphin Motel Paihia
Dolphin Motel Motel Paihia

Frequently asked questions

How close is Dolphin Motel to the airport?

Dolphin Motel is 14.7 mi (25-min drive) away from the Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Dolphin Motel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Dolphin Motel.

How close is Dolphin Motel to the beach?

This motel is a short 7-minute walk from Paihia Beach and 10 mi (32-min drive) from Russell Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Dolphin Motel offer free breakfast?

Dolphin Motel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Dolphin Motel?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Dolphin Motel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Dolphin Motel?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Dolphin Motel have a pool?

Dolphin Motel does not have a pool.

Does Dolphin Motel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Dolphin Motel to downtown Paihia?

Dolphin Motel is 0.2 mi away from Paihia.

Dolphin Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 365 out of 734 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 242 out of 734 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 77 out of 734 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 36 out of 734 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 14 out of 734 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

H

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pleasant stay, Clean, modern, walking distance to town. Friendly staff
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

manu

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Aruna

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Leslie

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
we booked a family room and this was not available on arrival . no correspondence with expedia or the hotel ,just a surprise on arrival. they gave us two rooms instead which was ok. staff were very nice to deal with (when they were there) we had ants in our kitchen every morning and had to throw away all our food on the counter .this motel really needs updating but it seems a lot of motels are in this state in NZ right now.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

paul

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
We came up for the Jazz Festival, had a studio unit in New block. Good value for money. Handy to everything.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Debby

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
First time giving poor review. I emailed - checking in after 6pm. Received email from them saying Check-in closed at 7:30pm. I said I would arrive between 6-7 pm from Auckland. Arrived about 7:05 pm in the dark, and could not find the reception. I called, and someone told me where to find the reception, which was closed... I still could not find it, so I called again, and he said he would come out and show me where it was... The reception light had burnt out, so part of the problem. When I finally met him at the reception office, and asked about the 7:30pm check-in, he replied, but I could not understand him clearly... "sometime they leave earlier" I got the key, and my room was on the second floor, and I had to walk up 14 concrete steps to get there. I am a senior, and stairs are a bit tricky for me... The place was lovely and clean. Thank you! But.... the mattress on the bed was so soft, when I sat on the mattress, it sank down to the mattress frame; it was harder to go to sleep. Also, the shower was about 20 cm off the floor! And no step to get into it... Also, there were 3 holes in the grouting by the toilet with orange plastic around them and 2 similiar holes in the shower- why? One hole hollow - why? A small bag celery was left in fridge. On kitchen wall-Motel policy-wash your dishes and put away or maybe incur a $50 fee. Was not on website. The dark blue dishcloth and teatowel had stains on them. Who last washed the dishes? Vacancy sign half lit on Saturday
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
All ok
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great shower Central location Clean rooms Laundry Spacious Bathroom/kitchen floor tiles very very slippery and dangerous when wet. Terrible tile choice for wet areas. Only 3 stars due to this problem
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paula

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Veer Singh

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Photos shown on expedia are not exactly how the motel looks. Trip insurance was shown $5 before checkout but got charged $10. Ridiculous 👎
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Dolphin motel - all good

Newish motel. Everything about is great.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Jon

It took 10 minutes for someone to come to the admin area,so we could book in. The shower floods all over the tiled floor. The grout on the shower tiles is moldy. The shower ran out of hot water. We couldn’t get the T V onto a channel. My partner thought he had broken his toe on the large chair which was slightly sticking out into the bathroom doorway. Overall probably the worst motel room we have stayed in. It certainly wasn’t the motel featured in the photos to advertise this motel.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really good experience, cozy and clean small studio! Near to the beach and supermarket. Recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

GRAEME

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wet in Paihia

Motel was excellent in the new wing. Clean, quiet & walkable even though it rained for 5 days straight. Rooms really do need a mat at the front door so you do not walk straight in on the carpet with wet shoes
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Everything
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Annemarie

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Elizabeth

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were greeted by a polite staff member who efficiently checked us in. The room was better than expected and felt like it had been recently renovated which was good to see. Everything you for need for an overnight stay and walkable to all local amenities and the beach-front. Ample free parking and great being able to park our car directly outside of the room.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kieran

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ross

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very nice

Was quiet clean roomy and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Naomi

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The property is in a good location and suited our needs as we were meeting friends in the township so nice and handy. Our room was nice and clean. The only thing was that we were on a bottom floor and it was very noisy from the upstairs guests to the point where we could hear them going to the toilet. Little offputting.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Natasha

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was clean, comfy bed, walking distance to town
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Payal

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025