3.5 Star Hotel

Blue Dolphin Motel

40 Evans Street, Timaru, New Zealand View Map

$75 nightly

includes all fees

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Blue Dolphin Motel

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About

Blue Dolphin Motel is a 5-minute walk from Timaru’s town center and a 5-minute drive from Timaru Bus Depot. All units have a full kitchen and an open plan living area. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi access for the first 24 hours of their stay. The heated guest rooms are equipped with electric blankets and satellite TV. The kitchen comes with a stove, a fridge and a microwave. The property offers laundry facilities and barbecue equipment. Free off-street parking is provided. Timaru Blue Dolphin Motel is a 5-minute walk from Caroline Bay Playground and Boardwalk. It is an 11-minute walk from Aigantighe Art Gallery and an hour’s drive from Oamaru.

850 Reviews

7.6Good
Cleanliness
8.6
Staff
8.1
Location
8.3

What Guests Say

  • “Tidy and warm.Comfy bed.”
  • “Good location. Everything was clean and neat.Have everything needed for stay.”
Show 50 Verified Reviews

Top Amenities

  • Free Parking
  • Accessible Rooms / Facilities
  • Pets Allowed
  • Beachfront
  • Non-Smoking Rooms
Show All Amenities

Room Options

Our Best Price. GUARANTEED.

Exclusively for Priceline members Details

Large One-Bedroom Apartment - Ground Floor1/4

Large One-Bedroom Apartment - Ground Floor

345 sqft • 1 Single, 1 Queen

  • Alarm clock
  • Bath or Shower
  • Carpeting
  • Children's high chair
One-Bedroom Apartment - Ground Floor1/4

One-Bedroom Apartment - Ground Floor

345 sqft • 1 Single, 1 Queen

  • Alarm clock
  • Bath or Shower
  • Carpeting
  • Children's high chair
Two-bedroom apartment - Accessible Split Level1/4

Two-bedroom apartment - Accessible Split Level

549 sqft • 2 Single, 1 Queen or 2 Single, 1 Queen or 1 Sofabed

  • Accessible bath/shower
  • Accessible room
  • Alarm clock
  • Bath or Shower
Family Room1/2

Family Room

431 sqft • 2 Single, 1 Queen

  • Alarm clock
  • Balcony
  • Bath or Shower
  • Carpeting
Two-Bedroom Apartment with Bath1/4

Two-Bedroom Apartment with Bath

636 sqft • 1 Queen or 2 Single or 1 Sofabed

  • Accessible bath/shower
  • Alarm clock
  • Balcony
  • Bath or Shower
Superior One-Bedroom Apartment1/4

Superior One-Bedroom Apartment

345 sqft • 1 Single, 1 King

  • Alarm clock
  • Bath or Shower
  • Carpeting
  • Children's high chair

Room Details and Photos

Room Amenities

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    Ask Penny, powered by AI. Answers are taken from property information and reviews.

    What Guests Loved

    7.6
    Good

    Based on 850 reviews

    Location

    8.3

    Cleanliness

    8.6

    Staff

    8.1

    Overall Quality

    7.6

    Pros +

    • Tidy and warm.Comfy bed.
    • Good location. Everything was clean and neat.Have everything needed for stay.
    • Location was good

    Cons -

    • Tight parking areas, pull out bed not easy to pull out and uncomfortable.
    • Staff was very rude. We couldn’t connect with wifi which they have provided. We all have tried and it didn’t work from each of our mobile. When we informed staff, she said you are doing wrong , no other guest complaint us and didn’t agree and generate new one again while checking out. We again tried and then also it didn’t work and we asked staff to try and then she was also unable to connect. Later she realised it was some system issue.We were only expecting staff should apologize but she didn’t apologize and was rude.
    • Cleanliness - everything was dusty, especially the wardrobes and drawersTowels were smelling badThe elderly receptionist (him) was quite rude and not very friendly in his welcome.The front door and its lock are not secure, the door is very looseThe bed is not comfortable, blankets are not soft to use
    Business Traveler (72)Solo Traveler (95)Traveling as Couple (261)Family with Young Children (260)Family with Teens (1)Senior Traveler (3)Group Traveler (100)Total (1,236)
    5RossPosted on: 1-19-2026

    Tidy and warm.Comfy bed.

    Tight parking areas, pull out bed not easy to pull out and uncomfortable.

    7SwapnilPosted on: 1-17-2026

    Good location. Everything was clean and neat.Have everything needed for stay.

    Staff was very rude. We couldn’t connect with wifi which they have provided. We all have tried and it didn’t work from each of our mobile. When we informed staff, she said you are doing wrong , no other guest complaint us and didn’t agree and generate new one again while checking out. We again tried and then also it didn’t work and we asked staff to try and then she was also unable to connect. Later she realised it was some system issue.We were only expecting staff should apologize but she didn’t apologize and was rude.

    1SAIPosted on: 1-2-2026

    Location was good

    Cleanliness - everything was dusty, especially the wardrobes and drawersTowels were smelling badThe elderly receptionist (him) was quite rude and not very friendly in his welcome.The front door and its lock are not secure, the door is very looseThe bed is not comfortable, blankets are not soft to use

    8Wing Y.Posted on: 12-30-2025

    Big enough for 2 ppl. Next to the busy road, but still fine with sound proofing after closing all windows and door.

    We stayed at room number 4, a bit far for loading the luggage from carpark with steps. The receptionist with expressionless face, stopping others to ask question or to talk with.

    6clarePosted on: 10-9-2025

    Having a bath everything was clean great separate bathroom and toiletLounge, kitchen etc had everything we needed for a nights stipover

    There was a bit of a tired feeling to paintwork etc. no fans in bathroom or kitchenRight on busy road so bit noisy at night worked perfectly well for an overnight stay. Kitchen a bit cramped if we had been cooking meals for family

    8Kenny P.Posted on: 7-8-2025

    Really large rooms. Sitting room/kitchen, bedroom and shower all great size.

    Parking area was a bit small, turning round especially, although to be fair there are two exits so you don't need to turn round.Bit strange that the wash basin was at the foot of the bed, but not a problem as I was alone.

    7Ben E.Posted on: 6-20-2025

    Room was warm and clean, although sheets Abit stained but still okLocation very central, near supermarket as wellWifi strong

    Receptionist couple were not the friendliest individuals and they hate to repeat themselvesOtherwise, a decent place.

    7kenPosted on: 5-10-2025

    on-site laundry, kitchenette

    located on highway with loud traffic. hot water valve in bathroom too hot. overall, a worn out facility.

    10TeddyPosted on: 4-30-2025

    Off street parking was a bonus. The location was excellent. Value for money was good. The 2 bedroom feature was excellent for our needs.

    8RickyPosted on: 4-29-2025

    Comfortable sized unit, nice and clean, ideal for one night stopover.

    Wash basin in separate location to shower was abit unusual but not a massive problem.

    5DeannePosted on: 4-28-2025

    Beds were comfortable the unit was clean

    Location of bathroom, it was like a train going through the bedroom at night every time the sliding door moved and the fact that you had to walk through a bedroom to get to it, it is too small. The stairs are too steep one of our ladies slipped down the stairs in the middle of the night.

    9PhillipPosted on: 4-26-2025

    Spacious and well-equipped. Great location.

    A bit dated but very practical

    8MikePosted on: 4-24-2025

    Clean, comfy bed, good location close to Caroline Bay, back row unit away from road noise

    8DavidPosted on: 4-22-2025

    quiet despite by a very busy roadseparate bedroomexcellent room servicefamous bakery across the roadgood heating for roomkitchen and dining area very goodclose to the swimming pool and Caroline Bay gardens

    no recycling

    6SeanPosted on: 4-21-2025

    Comfortable bed

    Cold and couldn’t find heating

    7TimothyPosted on: 4-20-2025

    Nice big lounge and room, had what was needed and the bed was great

    8GregoryPosted on: 4-18-2025

    Very clean, comfortable.

    TV reception not great

    3CarolPosted on: 4-18-2025

    Would not recommend

    Although there were hardly any other people staying there we had a room beside a noisy service area. No decent TV and limited WIFI.

    7RonPosted on: 4-15-2025

    Road works made access difficult. One sky channel. Advised due to atmospheric conditions when not a cloud in sky.

    5DaphnePosted on: 4-9-2025

    Beds comfortable, clean, but access not good and main Rd noisy.

    Amenities & Policies

    Amenities

    Swimming & Soaking

    • Beachfront

    Transportation

    • Free Parking
    • Accessible parking

    Health & Safety

    • Health Services
    • Daily disinfection

    Accessibility

    • Handicapped Rooms/Facilities
    • Accessible toilet
    • Facilities for disabled guests available
    • Wheelchair accessible

    Kid Friendly

    • Family Friendly

    General

    • Pets Allowed
    • No Smoking Rooms/Facilities

    Guest policies

    Check-inAfter 2:00 PM
    Check-outBefore 10:00 AM
    ParkingFree parking is available.
    Children & Extra BedsChildren of all ages are welcome. Children of age 0 to 2 can stay with cot, subject to additional charges. Children of age 2 and above can stay with extra bed, subject to additional charges.
    PetsPets are allowed upon request. Charges may apply.
    Room RatesAll rates displayed are for two guests unless otherwise noted.

    Important info

    If you expect to arrive outside reception opening hours, please inform Blue Dolphin Motel in advance, using the contact details found on the booking confirmation. For guests staying for more than 2 nights, the property is able to provide a drop off service to the airport or bus depot. This service is only available upon request.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation. Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

    Location

    Blue Dolphin Motel

    40 Evans Street, Timaru

    Discover the AreaTimaru

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