We had a lovely stay at Surat Bay Lodge By The Sea/Backpackers. The views were absolutely breathtaking, offering a picturesque backdrop for our trip. The owners were incredibly helpful, providing us with great tips and suggestions to explore the surrounding area. The kitchen was clean and well-equipped, making it easy for us to prepare our meals. Despite the cold weather, our room was cozy and comfortable. we thoroughly enjoyed our time here and would recommend it to others seeking a peaceful retreat.

had a fantastic time at a lodge in owaka, but this stay at surat bay lodge by the sea blew me away! the hosts were so friendly and helpful, even lent us binoculars to see yellow-eyed penguins. the location by the beach was stunning, saw sea lions from the window!

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We loved staying at this place! It's located right on the beach, in a beautiful and peaceful area. The rooms are clean and basic but have everything we needed. The owner, Jack, was incredibly welcoming and even took the time to show us around the property and give us information about the history and wildlife in the area. He even lent us binoculars to go and see the penguins! The location is incredible, with a fabulous beach where you can see sea lions. We had a great time here and would definitely recommend it to our family and friends.

The only downside is that the bathrooms were a bit cold, but that didn't bother us too much because we came here for the location and it certainly delivered! this place offers a comfortable stay with great service and amenities, including a shared kitchen, electric blankets, and a lovely garden area.

Well-equipped kitchen, cozy lounge, and beautiful beach just steps away. Saw sea lions from our room. Amazing hosts who made us feel at home. Perfect location to relax and explore nearby attractions.

I recently stayed at a lovely hostel by the sea in Owaka and had a pleasant experience. The location was perfect, right next to the beach and offered beautiful walks. The kitchen, bathrooms, and lounge area were all spotless, making for a comfortable stay. The staff was friendly and accommodating, ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Although I must mention that the top bunk bed I stayed in didn't have a guard rail, which made me feel a bit uneasy during the night. Additionally, there were no personal lights or plugs beside the bed, which would have been convenient.

Lovely beach location, friendly owners, clean kitchen, comfortable room, great tips, homely atmosphere.

Everything great.

We had an incredible stay at this place! The location was absolutely amazing, right on the beach. We were able to wake up each morning and watch sea lions hopping along the shore. It provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and peaceful getaway. The hotel's service and housekeeping were top-notch, ensuring that our room was always clean and well-maintained. The amenities in the room, such as the heating and soundproofing, added to our comfort and made us feel right at home. We also enjoyed the garden furniture, which allowed us to soak up the stunning views while enjoying a cup of coffee or a picnic.

We would highly recommend this hotel to our family and friends.

The location of the hotel is fantastic as it is situated right beside the beach. there is a walk labeled to go on to the beach and it is in remote location in the middle of the Catlins. You can have a low tide beach walk to see sea lions.

The service is something to be desired as guests have mentioned that they were not treated as guests and the welcome was cold.

We absolutely loved our stay at Surat Bay Lodge! The private double room had an incredible sea view and was both cosy and warm. The cleanliness of the entire place was outstanding, and the kitchen had all the amenities we needed, including a coffee plunger. The host, Ester, was extremely hospitable and friendly. The location offered a variety of activities, such as beach walks, sea lion sightings, and cockle collecting. As people who enjoy karaoke and casinos, we were thrilled to find a great spot to rest and also use as a base to explore the Catlins.

We felt warmly welcomed and had no complaints whatsoever.

Great location by the beach and a chance to spot some local wildlife. The staff were friendly and welcoming, even when we checked in late. The communal areas were kept very tidy and it was great to have a cozy lounge to relax in.

The dorm room condition was poor, with low ceilings and limited space. Some of the warning signs around the house made us feel like we were being treated like children, rather than respected guests.

We had an incredible stay at this beachfront backpackers' lodge. The location was truly amazing, with a fabulous beach right in front where we could see sea lions. The cleanliness of the hotel was commendable, and the staff went out of their way to ensure we had a good experience. The hotel facilities were well-maintained and exceeded our expectations.

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Surrounded by stunning scenery, this lodge is perfectly situated for nature lovers. Being just steps away from the beach means you can easily take walks along the shore or spot seals. The friendly owners provide helpful tips about local attractions. Guests can also enjoy a spacious room with beautiful beach views.

The bathroom facilities could use some improvement, as they are described as small and not very clean.

I recently stayed at Surat Bay Lodge By The Sea in Owaka for a few days. The lodge has a well furnished sitting room and sun room, and the kitchen is well equipped. It was so peaceful to have a walk in the morning on the beautiful beach and see a young sea lion swimming along the shore. Jack and his wife were extremely helpful in showing me the local attractions and creating a warm atmosphere. a fabulous location with excellent amenities and friendly hosts.

I recommend this hotel.

Surat Bay Lodge By The Sea/Backpackers is a wonderful place to stay. The location is absolutely stunning, with beautiful views of the beach and even sea lions from our bedroom window. The hosts, Jack and Ester, were incredibly warm and knowledgeable about the area, providing us with great suggestions for things to do. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the beds were cozy with warm blankets to keep us comfortable in the colder weather. The proximity to a nature reserve and easy boat access to the estuary and river made it an ideal base for kayakers and trampers. Jack and Ester went above and beyond to ensure that all guests felt at home and had a great experience.

Stunning sea view, fully equipped kitchen, spotlessly clean, hospitable host, plenty of local attractions.

Didn't dislike anything about the property.