Dolphin Motel

2.0 star property
Motel with free parking, 6-minute walk to Bay of Islands

Choose dates to view prices

The Dolphin Motel offers a quiet garden retreat with in-room WiFi. Guests can use barbecue grills for outdoor cooking, convenient laundry facilities, and luggage storage. Staff members are ready to assist with local recommendations to enhance your stay.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 11 of 11 rooms

Studio (King)

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
LCD TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Portable fan
Private bathroom
  • 24 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
LCD TV
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
LCD TV
Portable fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Standard Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

7.0 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
LCD TV
2 bedrooms
  • 38 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Kitchen
Mini-fridge
  • 52 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 7
  • 2 Queen Beds and 3 Twin Beds

Studio Suite, Multiple Beds

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
LCD TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Portable fan
  • 38 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Studio (Queen)

7.4 out of 10
Good
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Mini-fridge
LCD TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Portable fan
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
  • 21 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 2 Queen Beds

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
LCD TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 1 King Bed

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(10 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
LCD TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Portable fan
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Balcony
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
LCD TV
  • 46 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 1 King Bed, Accessible

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
LCD TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Portable fan
Private bathroom
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Map
69 Williams Road, Paihia, 0200

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
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds - 5 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Haruru Falls - 7 min drive - 3.4 miles

Getting around

  • Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands) - 19 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪El Cafe - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Bad Habits - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Mako Beach Bar - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Ti Bay Takeaways - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Charlotte’s Kitchen - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Dolphin Motel

Motel near Bay of Islands
Dolphin Motel provides amenities like a garden and laundry facilities. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • Free self parking
  • Smoke-free premises, barbecue grills, and tour/ticket assistance
  • Luggage storage
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff and location
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and offer amenities such as free WiFi. Guest reviews highly rate the clean rooms at the property.
Extra amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
  • 32-inch LCD TVs with satellite channels
  • Mini fridges, microwaves, and toasters

Similar properties

Property amenities

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

Family friendly

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

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (once per stay)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area

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

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • 32-inch LCD TV with satellite channels

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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
2 children, up to the age of 3 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
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
Property Registration Number 115946340

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Alcohol is not served at this property

National rating

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

Property is also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Dolphin Motel pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at Dolphin Motel?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Dolphin Motel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Dolphin Motel?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Where is Dolphin Motel located?

Situated in Paihia, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Bay of Islands, Paihia Wharf, and Paihia Beach. Te Ti Bay and St Paul’s Church are also within 10 minutes.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

Dolphin Motel Reviews

8.6

Excellent

8.8

Cleanliness

8.8

Location

8.8

Staff & service

8.2

Eco-friendliness

8.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 354 out of 714 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 237 out of 714 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 75 out of 714 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 714 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 13 out of 714 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking was a little difficult to reverse out of the car park because of the angle parking and not much room to move
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

paul

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

Vicki

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The Dolphin Motel was very clean, handy to Paihia and very relaxing, the sofa/couch in the room was very useful for sitting and relaxing.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Harry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay worth every cent!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff at the motel were so helpful, we were running late and the reception was kept open for us which we really appreciated. The room was clean and the facilities ideal for the short stay we had there. The motel is within walking distance to all the amenities in the small town
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Veer Singh

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

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

Jack

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful place comfortable beds close to town and just so friendly
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Durga

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I liked how clean it was and it came with a kitchenette. Very pleased!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Place was a great location, rooms very clean & tidy, beds comfy, check in and out so easy. Very relaxed atmosphere. We would recommend and definately come back. A tall standing mirror attached to wardrobe door would be great.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nigel

Liked: Amenities
1st class accommodation, nothing spectacular but clean, well maintained and comfortable. Just a 5 minute walk from the seafront and it’s many bars/restaurants/attractions/tours.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Naomi

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

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Older motel but well kept up. Clean and had everything required for our stay. Great location.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Helena

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Clean, comfortable room with nice balcony.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lionel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great spot
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

8/10 Good

Sally

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location. Within walking distance of wharf area and major restaurants. Facilities were clean. Bed was comfortable. Staff were friendly.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rowanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The facility had everything and was within close walking distance to the shopping centre and foreshore cafes/launch trips.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Albert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had everything you needed, kitchen, good bed, nice and clean. Close to the shopping area.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ria

The lady at reception was fantastic, our room was ready earlier than 3pm.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Juliet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A very clean comfortable modern room. Convenient location.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Clive

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

Great Place to go.

Very good location. Very comfy. Very clean all you need. Lots of seanic views.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Gerald

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Older property charm with newly renovated well equipped rooms. The kitchenette was a nice surprise
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

Shamil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Its okay for few night
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Allyson

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean comfortable value.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023