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Reviews of Surat Bay Lodge by the Sea/Backpackers Hostel

19 Surat Bay Road, 9585 Owaka, New Zealand

#8 of 12 hotels in Owaka

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 150 hostel reviews

8.7

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.1

  • Comfort

    9.0

  • Location

    9.4

  • Facilities

    8.6

  • Staff

    9.4

  • Value for money

    8.7

  • Free WiFi

    9.5

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 14 May 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Clean, very friendly hosts, amazing location, Sea Lions!

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 13 May 2025

    10
    Surat
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    nothing

    Short walk to beach to see sealing as well as fabulous lodge owner

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 21 April 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Studio Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Personally greeted by Esther, very friendly vibe. Our apartment was immaculate. Had views of water, chickens and lovely gardens. Loved the on-site coffee caravan. Esther makes the best coffee, available all day.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 7 April 2025

    8.0
    Somewhat out of the way location, but if weather is good one could really enjoy the place.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night

    Nothing really

    Room was small but comfortable, as no one else was in our area the facilities were fine. Had there been other guests the bathroom may not have been sufficient as one toilet was out of action.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 4 April 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Fabulous position. Very friendly hosts

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 24 March 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The location was great, really peaceful and right on the bay. The beds were comfortable, everything was clean, the facilities were great and the hosts very friendly. Would definitely recommend.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 19 March 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Studio Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Amazing location. Stunning! going back for sure

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 3 March 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Rooms could do with an upgrade. My expectations weren't met because I thought I'd booked accommodation with private facilities. But this was my mistake.

    Lovely location and host

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 February 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Studio Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We would have loved to have time to stay longer ❤️

    Everything was perfect. The accomodation was very very spacious and confortable will everything to satisfy our needs. The owner was very welcoming and helfull giving us tips of advice for our visits. Thanks again Esther.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 24 February 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Fabulous little place, amazing location, great value

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 22 February 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 13 February 2025

    10
    We will certainly be returning!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Studio Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night

    Absolutely nothing not to love

    Fantastic in every respect. Esther and Jack are the most wonderful hosts. We felt at home from the second we arrived. The location is amazing!!!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 13 February 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Right by the beach!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 27 January 2025

    10
    The best lodge in the Catlins!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was our first time at the Catlins and it was a great decision to stay at Surat Bay Lodge. They made our experience exceptional! The view was stunning, you were just by the beach and sealion sighting is just a usual scene in here. I lost count how many sealions we've seen in our 4days stay. The owners, Jack and Esther also made us feel at home. They were lovely and very accommodating. The whole family already miss them and wanting to go back soon. Highly recommended lodge at the Catlins.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 16 January 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great host, clean and comfortable

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 15 January 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Studio Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Beautiful location, value for your money, homely, lots for the kids to explore and our hosts (Esther and Jack) were lovely.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 12 January 2025

    9.0
    Great place to be
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great location with sea views. Staff very friendly and welcoming. Very clean and tidy accommodation.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 6 January 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    No complaints.

    Super clean, great location, the host was very nice, friendly and helpful!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 January 2025

    10
    Best place in catlins
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Location with sea (lion) view. Very friendly owners. Small setting. Would love to stay again

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 January 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Perfect location. Everything so clean but also homely.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 3 January 2025

    10
    Absolutely amazing 100% recommend
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Amazing views , amazing friendly host ❤️

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 20 December 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Studio Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    N/A

    Lovely owners, the room we booked was fantastic. Better than the photos. We like old cottages. Had that feel. Great kitchen, bathroom. Lovely and clean. Beach track close by, saw a sea lion.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 9 December 2024

    10
    A Peaceful Paradise by the Sea!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Family Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Fry pans were old and lopsided so a little hard to cook, but other than that absolutely amazing place!

    Absolutely stunning and peaceful location, exactly the relaxing spot I was looking for. Plenty of pretty walks in the area and sea lions right on the beach below! Beach access directly in front of the place and a beautiful outdoor sitting area. The owners were the most welcoming, helpful, and sweetest people I’ve met. The facilities were great and the place was so homey. Didn’t want to leave!

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 8 December 2024

    10
    A peaceful stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Everything was amazing. The hosts were awesome ! The view is incredible ! The place is general is just so peaceful. Perfect spot to relax and enjoy the ocean

    Stayed in December 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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