Phoenix Motel is a modern motel and serviced apartment complex at 215 King Street in Temuka, in the heart of South Canterbury — an easy five minute stroll from Temuka's town centre and about a 20 minute drive from Timaru. Built in 2004 and owned since late 2017 by Richard Sansbury, a hotelier with years of experience in Akaroa, Hanmer Springs and Zimbabwe, it lives up to its motto: 'Where people come first … And come back again.'
The motel offers six spacious studio units — all with king beds — and four two bedroom family apartments with a separate lounge and full kitchen facilities. Every unit and apartment is self contained with a fully equipped kitchen, a 42" LCD TV in the living areas, free WiFi with excellent internet connections, and Sky Guest Select with 50+ channels. The apartments add large luxury double spa baths and 42" LCD TVs in the main bedrooms, while a wheelchair accessible studio unit with a super king bed welcomes every guest. Free parking, a free-to-use BBQ, contactless check-in and continental breakfasts on request round out the offering.
Travellers of every kind are catered for: road trippers on a Great South Island journey, families heading home south, overseas visitors, and corporate or contract workers needing a genuine home away from home — with very competitive short and long term rates, and Fonterra Clandeboye and the Timaru Raceway just 10 minutes away. Christchurch Airport is around two hours' drive, making the motel a convenient stopover when travelling south or towards Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook. Guests rate it highly for its clean, tidy, comfortable rooms, comfy beds and warm southern hospitality, with a 4.5 star Qualmark rating.
Phoenix Motel sits at 215 King Street in Temuka, a friendly town in the heart of South Canterbury — an easy five minute stroll from Temuka's town centre and about a 20 minute drive from Timaru. The motto here is "Where people come first … And come back again," and everything about the place, from its spacious rooms to its warm southern hospitality, is built around keeping that promise. Conveniently located, spacious and high quality, it is a great base for exploring stunning South Canterbury and the many attractions of the South Island.
The complex was built in 2004 as a modern motel and serviced apartment complex. Current owner Richard Sansbury took over in late 2017 and brings many years of experience in the motel and tourism industry — in Akaroa and Hanmer Springs here in New Zealand, and before that in Zimbabwe, where he ran a significant game and preservation ranch. His hardworking, honest and friendly attitude makes him a delightful host, and he enjoys sharing his experiences and knowledge of the region with anyone who asks.
Richard's welcome extends to every kind of traveller. Guests on a Great South Island road trip, families heading home south, visitors seeing New Zealand from afar, and corporate or contract workers needing a home away from home are all catered for, with competitive rates and accommodation options to suit everyone.
The motel has six spacious studio units, all with king beds, and four two bedroom family apartments with a separate lounge and full kitchen facilities. Every unit and apartment is self contained with a fully equipped kitchen, and living areas all have 42" LCD TVs. Free WiFi with excellent internet connections comes as standard, along with Sky Guest Select and its 50+ channels.
The two bedroom apartments add a little more room to spread out: their main bedrooms have their own 42" LCD TVs, and guests can soak in large luxury double spa baths. A wheelchair accessible studio unit with a super king bed ensures the motel welcomes everyone. Around the property there is free parking, a BBQ that is free to use, COVID-19 contactless check-in, and continental breakfasts on request — with lunch available on request for corporate travellers.
Location is one of the Phoenix's quiet strengths. It is only a 10 minute drive to Fonterra Clandeboye and the Timaru Raceway, making it a practical pick for corporate and contract workers — the motel offers very competitive rates for both short and long term stays. Christchurch Airport is around two hours away by car, so the motel makes a perfect and convenient stopover for tourists, whether travelling south or on to Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook.
Guests clearly agree. Recent reviews score the motel between 9.2 and 10 out of 10, praising its very clean, tidy and comfortable rooms, very comfy beds, handy location within walking distance of town, and thoughtful touches like having the heaters going before guests arrive on a cold day. The motel holds a 4.5 star Qualmark rating.
Booking is straightforward: search availability online for real time booking with instant confirmation — no waiting for a response — on an entirely secure site. Booking direct comes with a lowest price guarantee. If you would rather talk to a person, phone +64 3 615 9680 or freephone 0800 000 787. Whether you are passing through for a night or settling in for a working week, Phoenix Motel aims to be exactly what it promises: a home away from home.