Surat Bay Lodge — Hotel in South Island

Its located at the end of the road, cant get there without a car. Check in early before the sunsets because it was too dark when i got there and it was difficult to find. Surat Bay is just right beside! You can go there for a morning walk and see the seals. The managers are very nice and welcoming. Rooms are reasonably clean. Lots of flies/moths at night when you turn on the light so make sure you close the door as soon as you're in the room. Showers and toilets are clean. They have 2 kitchens and living rooms. Not crowded at all. DVDs available for you to watch in the living room when you're bored. Phone doesn't have signal, except for Vodafone if i'm not wrong. That's pretty much it. If you're staying in the dorm room, with the flies & moths, i wont recommend more...

I loved our stay at Surate Bay Lodge, it was an absolute gem during our time in the Catlins and a highlight of our South Island holiday. Quirky accommodation right on the edge of a wild and woolley stretch of coast. A short stroll through the back garden takes you onto the waters edge of an inlet and after a couple of minutes walk along the beach we discovered slumbering sea lions. Loved it.||||Will remember Ester's friendly welcome, her 22 girls (hens), coffee cart with transistor radio at the gate. The lodge was clean and had a lovely homely atmosphere. Kitchen and lounge nice cosy spaces to relax in with views out to the inlet and surf beyond. Free range eggs were lovely.||||Would definitely stay...

What a great hostel! We truly enjoyed our 5 days stay. It's clean, the staff was friendly and very helpful. And the owners Jack and Esther are passionate about the hostel and really want your stay to be enjoyable. The one downside... the bunk beds have the worst mattresses ever.

The location is perfect! Right next to the beach which you have to share with sea lions. We saw one everyday, sitting on his favourite spot.

The family room has a beautiful view, but room number 1 has the best view. The common area is inviting to get to know fellow travellers better.

There's a Foursquare in Owaka, close by. And a New World in Balclutha, 30...