We had a wonderful stay at this lodge last summer. We met the new owners and they are wonderful and very helpful. We enjoyed our room, having a view through two windows right towards the bay. So we could see sea lions in the mornings and afternoons.
Everything is very clean and comfortable.
The place is a bit out of town. Such, it's very relaxing but a bit hard to find maybe not to hard though :-) You'll like it!
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 than 2 nights.
They have just changed management (March 2016) so are updating and enhancing the place.
Small, cosy, friendly and quiet hostel (BBH member) right beside the beach at Surat Bay, with fantastic views of the beach and Catlins Estuary. Native sea lions live right at their doorstep; seals, penguins, also abundant birdlife. Close to many attractions, with walks to False Island and Cannibal Bay. 5 kms from Owaka township, shops and fuel, 30 km from Balclutha.
FREE WiFi, coffee, tea, sugar and a free pick up from Owaka Information Centre is available. Great place to stay if u like off the beaten track!