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. Visit our Timaru travel guide
You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Blue Dolphin Motel
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.
Available in some public areas: WiFi (NZD 2 per day)
Parking and transport
Return airport shuttle (surcharge)
Free self parking on site
Limited on-site self parking
Kitchenette
Cleaning supplies
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Hob
Ice maker
Microwave
Paper towels
Refrigerator
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
In-room accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Limited-hour front desk
Luggage storage
No housekeeping service
Things to do
Fishing nearby
Snorkelling 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 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 at the property
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
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.
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 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 7 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Blue Dolphin Motel on 16 Mar 2026 start from RM285, 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.
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.
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Reviews
Blue Dolphin Motel Reviews
8.0
Very good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.6
Cleanliness
7.0
Location
8.4
Staff & service
7.6
Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 53 out of 164 reviews
10 - Excellent
53
Rating 8 - Good. 72 out of 164 reviews
8 - Good
72
Rating 6 - Okay. 25 out of 164 reviews
6 - Okay
25
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 164 reviews
4 - Poor
10
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 164 reviews
2 - Terrible
4
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Marie
19 Dec 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
8/10 Good
Douglas
21 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location and good transport options
Douglas
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Barrie
18 Oct 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
8/10 Good
Vivienne
22 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, communication
It was comfortable
Vivienne
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
8/10 Good
Ian
29 Jan 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Clean & Tidy, Staff helpful, easy walk to town, restaurants, Beach. would recommend it to anyone visiting Timaru.
Ian
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
8/10 Good
Verified traveller
21 Jun 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
8/10 Good
Greg
3 Apr 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
10/10 Excellent
Daniel
12 Mar 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
10/10 Excellent
Carole
10 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
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.
Carole
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Bruce
13 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Comfortable, clean and cosy
Bruce
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
8/10 Good
Heather
31 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautifully clean, warm and comfy
Heather
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
8/10 Good
Kerri
9 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Convenient location
Property is a bit dated and traffic noise was loud in the front room.
Friendly owners and convenient location.
Kerri
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
6/10 Okay
Mark
10 Feb 2025
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.
Mark
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
8/10 Good
Simon
13 Apr 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Clean tidy and easy to find.
Simon
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
8/10 Good
Jennifer
27 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
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.
Jennifer
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
8/10 Good
Roy
14 Feb 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
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.
Roy
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
8/10 Good
Hamish
29 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
It was comfortable
Hamish
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Sandra
14 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Good location for walking to Caroline Bay. Bakery across road, and short drive to shops. Unit was spacious with new carpet and had separate lounge/dining to bedrooms
Sandra
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
8/10 Good
Leanne
31 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, communication
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Immaculately clean, but very dated - looks like something from the 1970s! I also found there was a lot of noise coming from the laundry room next door to my room (room 5) VERY early in the morning.
The people were very welcoming, and parking was easy onsite - right in front of my room.
Everything worked well, with acceptable hot water and plenty of room.
This would be ideal for a group with kids to stay, assuming they don't mind how aged the rooms are.
I would stay again.
Leanne
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
8/10 Good
Richard
20 Nov 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
This is an older property, but very well kept and stocked. It was clean, had good kitchenette that was well stocked with dishes, tableware and pots and pans. My only complaint is they have long term guests that were a little rowdy. The were setting off fireworks for a short period of time and I found that disturbing. Also they could use a new mattress as it was rather saggy. For a two room unit it was certainly worth the price.
Richard
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Meral
20 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Great location. Clean rooms and everything you need in the kitchen.
Meral
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
8/10 Good
Bridget
7 Sept 2025
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
It was close to town and cosy & warm when we arrived.