Surat Bay Lodge, Motel and Backpackers

Perfekt für einen Strandspaziergang

Comfortable beds

A quirky layout. ‘Sea views’ from the unit was a bit misleading in the promo material.

All excellent

The view

What a charming place . You can disconnect with the rest of the world . The sea lions were just next door ! Cannibal bay is astonishing ! Staff was lovely !

Lokalizacja jest 100/10, przepiekna spokojna plaza, ogladalismy lwy morskie, widoki wspaniale, zostalabym na 3 dni gdybym miala czas. Kuchnia i lazienka tez super, lozka wygodna, czysta pachnaca posciel. Cena noe wygorowana!

Wszystko bylo super!

Fabulous location by the sea and very comfortable and clean

Clean, comfortable, quiet, beautiful location.

Nothing, everything was great.

I think this is a hidden gem. Clean, good bathrooms and kitchen. Located right on the bay with a great view. I think it's a great value

Slightly off the highway - I think around 10 mins on small roads part of which is gravel

Sehr schöne Lage direkt am Strand. Haben 3 Stunden den ganzen Strand erkundet mit ca 16 Sea Lions. Einrichtung ist herzig gemacht & Küche super ausgestattet. Parkplatz direkt vor der Unterkunft, sauber, ruhig.

Das doppelbett war so weich, wir konnten nicht darin schlafen. Ich liebe weiche betten jedoch in diesem waren die Beine höher als die Hüfte, weil man so stark einsinkt. Das haben wir noch nie gesehen 🫢 Wir mussten dann im etagenbett schlafen was so gequitscht hat bei der kleinsten bewegung.

Die Lage ist top. Man hat einen Strand mit Seelöwen direkt vor der Türe. Für einen Ausflug konnten wir uns ein Fernglas leihen, was uns sehr gefreut hat. Außerdem war kein Föhn im Appartment, auch dieser konnte ausgeliehen werden. Das Motel selbst hat, was man benötigt. Die Küche ist ordentlich eingerichtet. Ein etwas späterer Check-in hat problemlos funktioniert, wenngleich die Kommunikation sehr schleppend verlief. Das Bett war bequem.

Das Motel ist in die Jahre gekommen und bräuchte dringend Modernisierung: Möbel, Teppichboden, sanitäre Einrichtungen... Außerdem hat es uns an Sauberkeit gemangelt. Auf den Tellern waren z.B. noch Speisereste vorheriger Gäste. Die Anordnung der Zimmer ist gewöhnungsbedürftig - in einer Hufeisenform rund um die Rezeption.

Facilities fine and met our expectations for this type of accommodation Beautiful location by the river and short walk to the beach with sealions

Layout of our self contained apartment unusual

Ester is the best host mother you could wish for. She looks after you whichever way she can. She makes sure you are as comfortable as could be. The lodge location was so close to the beach and nature, Fresh, clean, well maintained facilities, fully kitchen facilities, and where plenty of onsite parking. There is a coffee cart you can buy real coffee. The sunset view is all you could wish for in Catlin! Handy location to Owaka, and other attractions.

wish we could stay longer

Such a friendly relaxing place to stay. Perfect location be the estuary to see the sea lions right outside the door, tide dependant. I'd definitely stay there again.

Friendly management

Der Blick aus dem Zimmer war toll - direkt auf den Strand und das Meer, sodass wir auch die Robben direkt vom Zimmer aus sehen konnten. Die Küche und die Bäder waren sauber und es gab ein Wohnzimmer, dass wir nutzen konnten zum spielen/lesen. Schön ruhig gelegen.

Die Betten waren extrem weich, sodass wir nicht zu 2. im Doppelbett schlafen konnten, da wir in der Mitte zusammen gerollt sind. Zum Glück hatten wir das Familienzimmer und somit noch ein Hochbett, sodass wir uns in beide Betten aufteilen konnten. Dennoch war es nicht sehr gemütlich.

L’endroit est vraiment incroyable. Nous aurions aimé rester plus longtemps

Beautiful place, immaculately clean and tidy, amazing, welcoming hosts. Wildlife at your doorstep ❤️

Nothing

The location was great and the unit was very clean. The owners were welcoming, friendly, and very helpful. We definitely recommend this place to stay

Noting - it was brilliant.

The location was splendid because it's on the bayside with stunning views. Just a short walk to the Surat Bay, where we easily spotted fur seals and sea lions. The owner (Esther) is amazing; she gave us meaningful and practice life advice which we greatly appreciate.

Die Lage direkt am Strand ist einmalig. Wir haben vom Zimmer aus die Seehunde beobachten können. Die Gemeinschaftküche und das Wohnzimmer sind gut Ausgestattet.

Leider gibt es nur eine Elektroheizung im Zimmer. Küche und Wohnzimmer waren doch recht kalt.

Amazing location, right on the beach and incredibly close to all the sea lions. Very lovely hosts and had everything we needed for our family. A great base for exploring The Catlins, Thanks so much

Everything! Amazing location, very friendly, kind, and funny host, clean, had everything we needed and more, WiFi worked great. Sea lions less than a five minute walk!

ligging en vriendelijke hosts

douche ruimtes en toiletten waren in 1 ruimte en oud.Weinig voorzien in het keukentje.

fantastic location, quiet, right next to the beach where sea lions rest

nothing

Abgelegen, aber mitten an der Seelöwenkolonie

Excellent location - sea lions within a few hundred metres, friendly hosts, clean and comfortable

unit layout was a bit strange

Heel leuke locatie "aan het einde van de wereld" Je loopt zo het strand op waar je met een beetje geluk zeeleeuwen treft.

Het appartement was voorheen een gedeelte van een hostel. Het is nogal oud maar wel allemaal brandschoon!

The location is really what sells this place. If you like being close to the ocean for evening or morning ocean walks away from the action of a city, this place is fantastic. Kitchen was good. There was a nice common lounge

The bed was quite soft. The bathrooms are quite small but adequate. The whole place is a bit tired but if you balance that against the location then it does not really matter that much

De locatie, de gastheer en dame, de rust, de Zeeleeuwen 😁.

Helemaal niets 😊👍🏻👍🏻

The accomodation has a superb location right on the beach and within easy reach of more magnificent beaches like Cannibal bay. The hosts are friendly, accomodating and could not be more helpful. The cooking facilities were good for our two day short stay and would be fine for a longer stay. There are fresh eggs available from chickens which are right next to the lodge. Sea lions regularly visit the bay and we saw them both on the beach and in the sea a few metres from it. We enjoyed the whole time and would have loved to have had more time to explore the area.

Nothing

most amazing location, right at the beach, great walks, literally at the end of the world.

Spectacular setting right on the bay. We watched a sea lion from our bedroom window! Saw several more on our walk along the shore to the main beach. Pretty garden setting and great to have hens to eat our food scraps!. Super clean and tidy. Double glazed so very warm. Plenty of space. Owner Esther is very welcoming and helpful. Great spot to base yourself to explore the area. Recommend the coffee and scones at the Catlins café in Owaka a few kms away.

I had the pleasure of staying here for 1 night and it was wonderful. The location is perfect and quiet, and it was good to enjoy some peace after spending time in other busier towns/cities. Esther was a great host, very kind and welcoming. Will be recommending this place to anyone who travels to this part of New Zealand.

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

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

nothing

Lovely stay with wonderful friendly hosts

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.

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.

Nothing really

Fabulous position. Very friendly hosts

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.

This place is mega cool. Such an awesome spot right on the estuary. We walked for 5 minutes to the ocean and saw leopard seals sleeping onshore. Communal facilities are clean an water pressure in shower is great.

Amazing location. Stunning! going back for sure

What a fabulous find. Extremely clean place, walking distace to the beach to find sealions basking in the sun, well equipped kitchen with comfy beds and a sunny lounge to relax in. A geat meeting place of interesting travellers, and the best hosts. Thankyou so much for your hospitality. 💝💖

The comfortable bed & relatively clean interiors.

Too many instructions to follow & some comments/ instructions seemed rude.

Lovely location and host

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.

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.

We would have loved to have time to stay longer ❤️

Walk on the beach

Too pricey

Fabulous little place, amazing location, great value

Nothing

Everything

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!!!

Absolutely nothing not to love

Right by the beach!

I had the pleasure to visit the Catlins again this year so took the opportunity to stay agsin in Surat as well this accommodation. The owner very friendly & helpful. It’s a great wee spot & property has awesome views of the sea & bay area. Large grounds as well with outdoor seating. Definitely will stay another time.

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.

Great host, clean and comfortable

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

Nothing

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

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

No complaints.

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

Nothing

Perfect location. Everything so clean but also homely.

Amazing views , amazing friendly host ❤️

Wonderful river view with peace

So homely and the views were stunning. Esther was very welcoming.

Very well equipped and spacious and stunning views of the estuary.

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.

N/A

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!

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

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

Nothing

This is a beautiful little place to stay at a great location. Just a short walk to the beach to see the sea lions. The rooms are spotless as is the fully equipped kitchen. Bathrooms are shared but also spotlessly clean. Ester and Jack are lovely. She makes a banging coffee and he’ll tell you where to go to see wildlife. A fantastic place to stay. Ten out of ten.

Nothing. It was just great.

Nice location for exploring the Catlin's. Evelyn was very helpful and the place was spotless.

Amazing view, the best housekeeping, small but comfortable place

Good beds. We just came late to sleep and left early in the morning. Place is personal old building in the end of the road by the sea where you can see seals on the beach. Hostess was very polite and nice. Even old building it was clean. Didnt use kitchen or living room though we had the whole apt.

Too short time to find out any to complain. Even old, still clean and everything works.

Right by beach - easy walk to see sea lions! Super friendly host Very clean. New mattresses and all lovely!

No mobile but had wifi so no problem.