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Blue Dolphin Motel

3.5 star property
3.5-star apartment in Maori Hill

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Photo gallery for Blue Dolphin Motel

WiFi, wheelchair access
Property entrance
Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Kitchen (I Bdrm Apartments 2,3,& 4) | Living area | TV
Fridge, microwave, stovetop, coffee/tea maker
WiFi, wheelchair access

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Parking included
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

Map
40 Evans Street, Timaru
  • Ashbury Park
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Caroline Bay Beach
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Timaru Public Hospital
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Timaru (TIU-Richard Pearse)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Room options

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

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)

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Twin Beds and 2 Double 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
  • 1 bathroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 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)

  • Studio
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen 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
  • 1 bathroom
  • 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)

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

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)

  • 2 bedrooms
  • 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
  • 1 bathroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Timaru

Maori Hill stay.Within a 10-minute walk of this Maori Hill apartment, you'll find Ashbury Park and Timaru Lighthouse. Aigantighe Art Gallery and Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden are also within half a mile (1 km).
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What's nearby

  • Ashbury Park - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • South Canterbury Museum - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Caroline Bay Beach - 1 min drive - 0.4 miles
  • Timaru Public Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.9 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Burger King - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Kfc - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Columbus Coffee - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Coffee Culture Timaru - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Arthur St Cafe - ‬2 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Blue Dolphin Motel

3.5-star apartment in Maori Hill
As a guest of Blue Dolphin Motel, you'll find a terrace, a garden, and laundry facilities. Public spaces have WiFi for a fee. Self parking is free.

This 3.5-star Timaru apartment is smoke free.

  • 11 guestrooms or units
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • No smoking on site
Blue Dolphin Motel offers 11 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and complimentary toiletries. Accommodations at this 3.5-star apartment have kitchenettes with refrigerators, stovetops, microwaves, and cookware/dishes/utensils. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers.

This Timaru apartment provides wireless Internet access for a surcharge. Cable television is provided.

Languages

English

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  • Laundry
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4.3 out of 5, Excellent, 230 reviews
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Total includes taxes and fees
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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
  • Smoke-free property

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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • 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

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

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

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
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 accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Diners Club. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards in each accommodation.

National rating

For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our rating system.

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

How close is Blue Dolphin Motel to the airport?

Blue Dolphin Motel is 7 mi (13-min drive) away from the Timaru (TIU-Richard Pearse) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of May 21, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Blue Dolphin Motel on May 29, 2025 start from $71.62, excluding 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.

Does Blue Dolphin Motel have an airport shuttle?

Blue Dolphin Motel offers an airport shuttle.

How close is Blue Dolphin Motel to the beach?

This apartment is 0.3 mi (1-min drive) from Caroline Bay Beach and 1.4 mi (3-min drive) from Dashing Rocks Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Blue Dolphin Motel offer free breakfast?

Blue Dolphin Motel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Blue Dolphin Motel?

No, there is no casino at this apartment.

What time is check-in at Blue Dolphin Motel?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 9:30 PM.

Is there free parking at Blue Dolphin Motel?

This apartment offers free self parking.

Does Blue Dolphin Motel have a pool?

Blue Dolphin Motel does not have a pool.

Does Blue Dolphin Motel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this apartment.

How close is Blue Dolphin Motel to downtown Timaru?

Blue Dolphin Motel is 0.9 mi away from Timaru.

Blue Dolphin Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 45 out of 146 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 64 out of 146 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 25 out of 146 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 146 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 146 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
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
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Kim

Good for a night but wall heater on a timer doesn’t allow for the room to heat up and stay warm
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Kerri

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Convenient location

Property is a bit dated and traffic noise was loud in the front room. Friendly owners and convenient location.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

4/10 Poor

TANDY

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

4/10 Poor

Stephen

Traveled with pets
Liked: Amenities
Too noisy unfortunately next time id look at getting a place further away from main road value for money yes it was good
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice, clean, easy parking, easy walk into town. I would recommend this place.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean tidy and easy to find.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Greg

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

a great choice in timaru

great value motel, loads of room, close to park/beach.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean room and upstairs and downstairs bedroom. Was very nice to stay here.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Lee

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

R

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Ian, Christchurch

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean & Tidy, Staff helpful, easy walk to town, restaurants, Beach. would recommend it to anyone visiting Timaru.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joe

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

10/10 Excellent

Peter W

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kimmy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We love staying here! Its our third time now and they never disappoint!! Will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Room comfort

Room not as advertised

Room was tired and old but clean. However, it was not as advertised. We booked a 1 bedroom suite with 1 double bed and 2 twin beds, but the room comes with 1 double bed, 1 twin bed, and 1 super old fashioned sofa bed with super thin mattress. When questioned, the owner blamed the previous owner for the wrong information put up on the Hotels.com. She was pretty rude about it too. Shower needs time to adjust to the comfortable temperature as it spikes hot and cold as you adjust the valves. Definitely not recommended. Book with caution.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

6/10 Okay

Deryck

Traveled with family

Mediocre at best

This was our last stop in a larger trip. It is a dark and dated room. Walking in reminded me of a student flat. Pros - Plenty of towels to be found under the sink in the bathroom - nice big table with plenty of chairs to sit and eat like a family (there were 5 of us) Cons - Pillows felt like cheap $10 warehouse ones. No one had a good nights sleep - Access to the toilet is through a bedroom so either the parents or kids are getting woken for midnight toilet runs. - Bathroom lock was a sliding bolt on the inside that the outside can't get to. If some falls and hurts themselves or miss/master 4 lock it and can't unlock it....yes well. - Downstairs bedroom had nowhere to hang anything. No wardrobe, hooks, nothing
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

2/10 Terrible

Matt&Ash

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023