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Dolphin Motel

2.0 star property
Motel with free parking, 7-minute walk to Bay of Islands

Photo gallery for Dolphin Motel

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 2 Queen Beds | View from room
Garden
Blue Dolphin Block Superior Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Living room
Blue Dolphin Block Superior Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Living area
Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 1 King Bed | Private kitchenette

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Laundry room
The current price is AU$141
includes taxes & fees
16 Feb - 17 Feb

Explore the area

View 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)

Studio (King)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Standard Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Standard Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

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
Blackout curtains
  • 38 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

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 Single 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
Portable fan
Blackout curtains
  • 38 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Studio (Queen)

Studio (Queen)

Studio (Queen)

7.4 out of 10
Good
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Mini-fridge
LCD TV
Portable fan
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • 21 sq m
  • 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

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 2 Queen Beds

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
LCD TV
Portable fan
  • 32 sq m
  • 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

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 1 King Bed

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(11 reviews)

Highlights

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

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

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

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

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

Blue Dolphin Block Superior Studio, 1 King Bed, Accessible

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
Portable fan
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Paihia

At Dolphin Motel you'll be within just a 10-minute stroll of popular attractions like Bay of Islands and Paihia Beach. Highlights at this motel include in-room free WiFi and LCD TVs. .This smoke-free motel offers free WiFi in public areas, a garden and barbecues. Additionally, you'll find laundry facilities, a picnic area and tour/ticket assistance. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Sights within a 15-minute walk of this Paihia motel include Paihia Wharf and St Paul’s Church.
View more Motels in PaihiaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Paihia Wharf - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Paihia Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • St Paul’s Church - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Opua Forest - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Makana Chocolate Boutique - 3 min drive - 2.2 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Orange Frog - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Duke of Marlborough Hotel - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Charlotte's Kitchen - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Mako Beach Bar - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Bad Habits - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Dolphin Motel

Motel with free parking, 7-minute walk to Bay of Islands
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 a hairdryer. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. 32-inch LCD televisions come with satellite channels.

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

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includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • 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 lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Smoke-free property

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 and check-out are 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.

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
On-site 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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 guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards and cash. On-site 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 all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Property Registration Number 115946340

We should mention

  • Up to 2 children aged 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

What is the cancellation policy at Dolphin Motel?

Dolphin Motel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Dolphin Motel?

As of 5 Feb 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Dolphin Motel on 16 Feb 2026 start from AU$141.47, including 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.

Is parking available at Dolphin Motel?

Yep, Dolphin Motel has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Dolphin Motel?

Yep, Dolphin Motel is a short 7-minute walk from Paihia Beach. Fun beach activities include snorkelling, windsurfing and fishing.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Dolphin Motel?

No, Dolphin Motel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Dolphin Motel?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at Dolphin Motel?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Dolphin Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 367 out of 737 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 243 out of 737 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 77 out of 737 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 36 out of 737 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 14 out of 737 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dennis

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
We were very happy with facilities and service and would be very happy to stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

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

Hitesh

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller

Travelled 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

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled 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

Travelled 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