Dolphin Motel offers a great location, putting you within just a 10-minute walk of Bay of Islands and Paihia Beach. Freebies like WiFi and self parking are added perks, and guests looking to stay active can check out the nearby hiking/biking trails and snorkeling. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff and location.
Languages
Chinese (Mandarin), English
At a glance
Hotel size
33 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out time is 10 AM
Restrictions related to your trip
Check COVID-19 restrictions
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
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
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 21
Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 23
Children
Up to 2 children (3 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
Pets
Pets not allowed
Service animals welcome
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Onsite parking includes off-street options
Transfers
Airport shuttle from 8 AM to 6 PM*
Other information
Smoke-free property
No alcohol served onsite
Property amenities
Food and drink
Barbecue grills
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
What to do
Beach nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horse riding nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Tour/ticket assistance
Laundry facilities
Luggage storage
Facilities
2 buildings/towers
Garden
Picnic area
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Raised toilet seat
Low-height counter/sink
Grab bar near toilet
Room amenities
Be entertained
32-inch LCD TV
Satellite TV channels
Home comfort
Coffee/tea maker
Iron/ironing board (on request)
Window screens
Sleep well
Blackout drapes/curtains
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Individually furnished and decorated
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Shower only
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Free WiFi
Food and drink
Mini-fridge
Microwave
Toaster
Cookware, dishes, and utensils
More
Housekeeping (once per stay)
Guidebooks/recommendations
Local maps
Restaurant dining guide
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of NZD 45 per room (one-way)
Children & extra beds
Airport shuttle for children between the ages of 2 and 12 costs NZD 25 (one-way)
Policies
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher and outdoor lighting on site.
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.
Property Registration Number 115946340
Also known as
Dolphin Motel Paihia
Dolphin Paihia
Dolphin Motel Motel
Dolphin Motel Paihia
Dolphin Motel Motel Paihia
Frequently asked questions
Does Dolphin Motel offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Dolphin Motel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Dolphin Motel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
Is parking offered on site at Dolphin Motel?
Yes, there's free self parking.
Is airport shuttle service offered by Dolphin Motel?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available from 8 AM to 6 PM on request. The charge is NZD 45 per room one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Dolphin Motel?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM. Contactless check-in is available.
What is there to do at Dolphin Motel and nearby?
Have fun with nearby activities like hiking, horseback riding, and snorkeling. Enjoy amenities like a picnic area and a garden.
What's the area around Dolphin Motel like?
Dolphin Motel is a short 6-minute walk from Bay of Islands and 7 minutes' walk from Paihia Beach. Travelers give top marks for the motel's prime location.
Dolphin Motel Reviews
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
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
8.8/10
Cleanliness
8.8/10
Staff & service
8.6/10
Amenities
8.4/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.0/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
15 Oct 2024
SHANE A ROBERTS SUPERIOR
SHANE A ROBERTS SUPERIOR, 1-night business trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
7 Oct 2024
Wayne
Wayne, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
5 Oct 2024
Chunhou
Chunhou, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
4/10 Fair
20 Jul 2024
Staff were very nice and location was walking distance to shops and restaurants. Room was outdated and had a bad smell. Also, there were only a few channels that worked.
Amanda
Amanda, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
14 Jul 2024
The room is very clean and it has a good size tv. Nice kitchen. Hour the head supervisor is so kind, polite and accommodating. This place is highly recommended.
YANINA MONICA GAY
YANINA MONICA GAY, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
13 Jul 2024
Staff were very friendly, cosy and clean unit
Darryl and Ria
Darryl and Ria, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
11 Jul 2024
Host was very friendly and room was clean and fresh.
Albert
Albert, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
2 Jun 2024
Sharon
Sharon, 1-night trip
Verified Lastminute guest review
10/10 Exceptional
7 Apr 2024
Kerry
Kerry, 1-night trip
Verified Wotif guest review
6/10 Good
7 Apr 2024
Kind of got what we paid for but it was very dated and although it has a kitchen it was not well equipped. No sharp knives. The microwave had to be lifted off its stand to be plugged in, Which was no easy feat. The staff were friendly and it was certainly large and clean enough.
John
John, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
2 Apr 2024
Thank you for having us!
Tammara
Tammara, 3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
2 Apr 2024
Excellent location. Within walking distance of wharf area and major restaurants.
Facilities were clean. Bed was comfortable. Staff were friendly.
Sally
Sally, 5-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
1 Apr 2024
Warm and welcoming. Private and central to town centre. Less than 3min walk
Shayne
Shayne, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
29 Mar 2024
I really enjoyed how close everything was, walking distance to the closest grocery store and takeaways as well as the township. View was amazing. Definitely 9/10
Brylee
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
28 Mar 2024
Friendly staff, perfect location, nice room
Friendly staff, perfect location and nice, modern room. Cooking facilities basic but good for simple meal prep. Shower nice and warm. Bed pretty comfy, plenty pillows and sheets. A few cobwebs missed but overall very good stay!
Mark
Mark, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
22 Mar 2024
Brian
Brian, 3-night trip
Verified Wotif guest review
8/10 Very good
20 Mar 2024
We booked 3 rooms and none of them had a decent hot water system. The hot water ran cold after 2 minutes in all of them
The rooms are getting very dated. However the staff were very friendly and helpful
Location was good
Bruce
Bruce, 3-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
16 Mar 2024
Beautifully clean rooms. We had a nice balcony. Great parking. Would definitely go back again.
Rachel
Rachel, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
13 Mar 2024
Margaret was very helpful!
dwight
dwight, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
12 Mar 2024
The manager was very friendly and helpful
Mark
Mark, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
11 Mar 2024
The facility had everything and was within close walking distance to the shopping centre and foreshore cafes/launch trips.
Rowanne
Rowanne, 2-night trip
Verified Wotif guest review
8/10 Very good
9 Mar 2024
Pity there was no ice tray in the fridge.. everything
else was great
Carolyn
Carolyn, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
4 Mar 2024
This is a classic motel in a small town. We were in the older side of the establishment, the room as quite dated as were the appliances. The towels were very small and were quite old (white towels but were grey and fraying). The space was good as it fit the purpose we needed (a bed and a shower) however it wouldn't be somewhere we'd book if we were spending lots of time in the room. The staff were very lovely and helpful.
Shylah
Shylah, 4-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
4 Mar 2024
We had a wonderful stay here! Definitely stay in the deluxe superior rooms as you’ll be in the newer section/build onsite. Lovely stay and super close to everything. Parking onsite.
Madison
Madison, 3-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
3 Mar 2024
Great location. Clean, comfortable room with nice balcony.