Hostel
 Surat Bay Lodge by the Sea/Backpackers Hostel

Beachfront
Travel Sustainable property

19 Surat Bay Road, 9585 Owaka, New Zealand – Excellent location – show map

Excellent location – rated 9.6/10! (score from 193 reviews)

Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions

8.7
Excellent
193 reviews

Driving in towards the Bay I had no idea what we would find. This is an amazingly beautiful place. Friendly caretakers in a beautiful place.

Amy United States of America

Friendly staff,very clean everywhere. More homelike. Nice view around.

Sherry New Zealand

Staff were awesome, incredibly accomodating, have recommended this location to several people since my trip. We ended up here because we were supposed to be staying at Thomas Catlins Hostel, however the lady there was very rude and cancelled our booking made months in advance 10 days before our trip, she had forgotten we had a booking there when she accepted others. Our group for the most part was therefore left without accomodation shortnotice before a busy Easter weekend. Managed to get a booking at Surat and they were amazing, plus the location on the beach was stunning.

Sophie New Zealand

Lovely owners, great location right by the sea. Warm, peaceful place to stay

Amy New Zealand

Location, friendly staff, knowledge of the area, restaurant recommendations. Great set up with lounge and kitchen. Parking outside property and it was accessible.

Angela New Zealand

Very clean, lovely owners, beautiful view and great location

Jessica New Zealand

We stayed in a private double room with an amazing sea view which was cosy and warm. The entire place is spotlessly clean to a very high standard. The kitchen has all the amenities including coffee plunger. Ester (the host) was very hospitable and friendly. The area has so much to offer; beach walk, sea lions, cockle collecting and more. We would definitely return.

Helen New Zealand

Couldn't ask for a better setting or a friendlier happy and helpful couple for hosts

David New Zealand

Amazing spot just right next to the beach. Esther and Jack are such lovely host and we had a lovely holiday here.

Camy New Zealand

What an amazing place. We don't want to tell too many people as it was so lovely. Quaint old fashioned beach stay. Like a holiday in the Bach or crib. It was just wonderful. We stayed an extra night just to relax. Good kitchen and lovely living room. Clean and tidy. Loved every moment.

Suzañne New Zealand
8.7
Excellent
193 reviews
  • What guests loved the most:
  • “Driving in towards the Bay I had no idea what we would find. This is an amazingly beautiful place. Friendly caretakers in a beautiful place.”
    Amy Amy United States of America United States of America
  • “Friendly staff,very clean everywhere. More homelike. Nice view around.”
    Sherry Sherry New Zealand New Zealand
  • “Staff were awesome, incredibly accomodating, have recommended this location to several people since my trip.”
    Sophie Sophie New Zealand New Zealand
  • “Lovely owners, great location right by the sea. Warm, peaceful place to stay”
    Amy Amy New Zealand New Zealand
  • “Location, friendly staff, knowledge of the area, restaurant recommendations. Great set up with lounge and kitchen. Parking outside property and it was accessible.”
    Angela Angela New Zealand New Zealand
  • “Very clean, lovely owners, beautiful view and great location”
    Jessica Jessica New Zealand New Zealand
  • “We stayed in a private double room with an amazing sea view which was cosy and warm. The entire place is spotlessly clean to a very high standard.”
    Helen Helen New Zealand New Zealand
  • “Couldn't ask for a better setting or a friendlier happy and helpful couple for hosts”
    David David New Zealand New Zealand
  • “Amazing spot just right next to the beach. Esther and Jack are such lovely host and we had a lovely holiday here.”
    Camy Camy New Zealand New Zealand
  • “What an amazing place. We don't want to tell too many people as it was so lovely. Quaint old fashioned beach stay. Like a holiday in the Bach or crib. It was just wonderful.”
    Suzañne Suzañne New Zealand New Zealand

Categories:

  • Staff9.4
  • Facilities8.5
  • Cleanliness9.0
  • Comfort8.7
  • Value for money8.9
  • Location9.6
  • Free WiFi9.2

This property is 2 minutes walk from the beach. Located in the North Catlins, Surat Bay Lodge offers friendly private and dormitory rooms with free WiFi. Guests enjoy 2 fully equipped communal kitchens, 2 lounge/dining areas, a conservatory lounge and a garden overlooking the beach.

You can visit the nearby native New Zealand Sea Lions at Surat Bay and Cannibal Bay, while seals, penguins and abundant bird-life, also call this area home.

Attractions in the area include Jack's Blowhole, Nugget Point, Kaka Point, Curio Bay, Cathedral Caves, Porpoise Bay, Waterfalls and Waipapa Point. All are within a 30 minute-1 hour drive. The property is 3.1 mi from Owaka township and 19 mi from Balclutha.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.8 for a two-person trip.

Surat Bay Lodge by the Sea/Backpackers Hostel has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Apr 19, 2016

Show me more

Most popular amenities

Free parking
Beachfront

Property Highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.6)

Free Private Parking Available On Site

Saved to 165 lists

Availability

When would you like to stay at Surat Bay Lodge by the Sea/Backpackers Hostel?

Sorry, reservations for more than 90 nights aren't possible.

Enter your dates to check availability.

Your departure date is invalid.

Check-in date
Check-out date
 
Approximate prices in USD for a 1-night stay
Loading dates...
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Travel Sustainable property
Travel Sustainable property
This property is part of the Travel Sustainable program, which means it’s taken significant steps to make your stay more sustainable.

4 reasons to choose Surat Bay Lodge by the Sea/Backpackers Hostel

  • Prices you can't beat!
  • Booking is safe
  • Manage your bookings online
  • The staff speaks English

Guest reviews

8.7
Excellent · 193 reviews
Read all reviews
Categories:
  • Staff9.4
  • Facilities8.5
  • Cleanliness9.0
  • Comfort8.7
  • Value for money8.9
  • Location9.6
  • Free WiFi9.2

Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Amy
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “Driving in towards the Bay I had no idea what we would find. This is an amazingly beautiful place. Friendly caretakers in a beautiful place.”
  • S
    Sherry
    New ZealandNew Zealand
    “Friendly staff,very clean everywhere. More homelike. Nice view around.”
  • Sophie
    New ZealandNew Zealand
    “Staff were awesome, incredibly accomodating, have recommended this location to several people since my trip. We ended up here because we were supposed to be staying at Thomas Catlins Hostel, however the lady there was very rude and cancelled our...”
  • Amy
    New ZealandNew Zealand
    “Lovely owners, great location right by the sea. Warm, peaceful place to stay”
  • Angela
    New ZealandNew Zealand
    “Location, friendly staff, knowledge of the area, restaurant recommendations. Great set up with lounge and kitchen. Parking outside property and it was accessible.”
  • J
    Jessica
    New ZealandNew Zealand
    “Very clean, lovely owners, beautiful view and great location”
  • Helen
    New ZealandNew Zealand
    “We stayed in a private double room with an amazing sea view which was cosy and warm. The entire place is spotlessly clean to a very high standard. The kitchen has all the amenities including coffee plunger. Ester (the host) was very hospitable and...”
  • David
    New ZealandNew Zealand
    “Couldn't ask for a better setting or a friendlier happy and helpful couple for hosts”
  • Camy
    New ZealandNew Zealand
    “Amazing spot just right next to the beach. Esther and Jack are such lovely host and we had a lovely holiday here.”
  • Suzañne
    New ZealandNew Zealand
    “What an amazing place. We don't want to tell too many people as it was so lovely. Quaint old fashioned beach stay. Like a holiday in the Bach or crib. It was just wonderful. We stayed an extra night just to relax. Good kitchen and lovely living...”
Property questions and answers
Browse questions from guests for anything extra you want to know about the property

The property usually replies within a few days

  • please could you clarify if the private room with double bed has it's own toilet/shower or is the bathroom shared? and if shared how far away? (thinking of nocturnal trips to the loo). Many thanks, Cheryl
    Thank you very much for your enquiry. All our double room and very close to toilet/bathroom. Sorry we do not have ensuites. All facilities are shared by all guest like shower/bathroom, toilet, kitchen and lounges.
    Answered on March 20, 2022
  • Do you have planned events or activities?
    We apologise we do not have an event or activities held on the lodge since there a lots to see and do around the area.
    Answered on November 19, 2019
  • When is the best time to visit your property for the perfect beach holiday?
    Visiting the beach is anytime. The accommodation is on the water front.
    Answered on November 3, 2019
  • what would happen if we could not travel from covid restrictions would we get our money back
    We dont' accept any deposit. All guest must pay on check in.
    Asked about: Double Room with Sea View • Answered on December 20, 2021
  • Hi there, It says your double room with sea view has shower and toilet. It is a private for shared bathroom and toilet?
    You have only a private room. All facilities are share by all guest.
    Answered on December 20, 2021

  • Still looking?

    Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.

Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.

Area info *
Guests loved walking around the neighborhood!
Excellent location – show map
Restaurants & cafes
  • Restaurant Lumber Jack Restaurant & Cafe
    3.1 miles
  • Restaurant Catlins Inn Restaurant
    3.1 miles
  • Restaurant Catlins Cafe
    3.1 miles
  • Cafe/Bar Catlins Pub
    3.1 miles
Natural Beauty
  • River Owaka River
    3.1 miles
  • River Catlins River
    3.7 miles
  • Lake Catlins Lake
    4.3 miles
  • Ocean/Sea Pacific
    0.1 miles
  • Mountain Jacobs Hill
    0.3 miles
Beaches in the Neighborhood
  • Roaring Bay Beach
    4.4 miles
  • Kaka Point Beach
    6 miles
Closest Airports
  • Dunedin Airport
    44.1 miles
How to get to Surat Bay Lodge by the Sea/Backpackers Hostel from Dunedin Airport
    Car
    Free parking is available.
* All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.
Missing some information? Yes / No
Great! Thanks for your response.
Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.
Amenities of Surat Bay Lodge by the Sea/Backpackers Hostel

Most popular amenities

Free parking
Beachfront
Outdoors
  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Beachfront
  • BBQ facilities
  • Garden
Kitchen
  • Shared kitchen
Activities
  • Beach
  • Horseback riding Off-site Additional charge
  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Golf course (within 2 miles) Additional charge
Food & Drink
  • Coffee house on site
Internet
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
  • Accessible parking
Services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Baggage storage
  • Fax/Photocopying
  • Express check-in/out
Front Desk Services
  • Invoice provided
Entertainment & Family Services
  • Board games/Puzzles
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • Smoke alarms
  • Key access
General
  • Designated smoking area
  • Smoke-free property
  • Hypoallergenic room available
  • Heating
  • Soundproof rooms
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
Health & Wellness Facilities
  • Beach chairs/Loungers
Languages Spoken
  • English
  • Filipino
Missing some information? Yes / No
Great! Thanks for your response.
Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.

House rules Surat Bay Lodge by the Sea/Backpackers Hostel takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

3:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Check-out

4:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

Children 16 and above are considered adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

There's no capacity for cribs at this property.

This property doesn't offer extra beds.

No age restriction

There's no age requirement for check-in

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Mastercard Visa UnionPay credit card Surat Bay Lodge by the Sea/Backpackers Hostel accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print

Payment is via cash or credit card.
Please note that there is a 3% charge when you pay with a credit card.

Please note that the office closes at 18:00.
If you expect to arrive after 18:00, please contact the property using the contact details found on the booking confirmation.

Please note that there is little mobile phone coverage in the area.

Please inform Surat Bay Lodge by the Sea/Backpackers Hostel of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

FAQs about Surat Bay Lodge by the Sea/Backpackers Hostel

  • Surat Bay Lodge by the Sea/Backpackers Hostel is 3.1 miles from the center of Owaka.

  • The prices at Surat Bay Lodge by the Sea/Backpackers Hostel may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

  • Check-in at Surat Bay Lodge by the Sea/Backpackers Hostel is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:00 AM.

  • The nearest beach is 350 feet from Surat Bay Lodge by the Sea/Backpackers Hostel.

  • From the nearest airport, you can get to Surat Bay Lodge by the Sea/Backpackers Hostel by:

    • Car 1h 30min

  • Surat Bay Lodge by the Sea/Backpackers Hostel offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):

    • Cycling
    • Hiking
    • Fishing
    • Golf course (within 2 miles)
    • Beachfront
    • Horseback riding
    • Beach