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Bookabach has unveiled its 2024 Bach of the Year, which features ten of the most remarkable private holiday homes across New Zealand.
This year’s Bach of the Year recognises some of the most spectacular waterfront homes, ski lodges and countryside escapes in destinations including Waikanae Beach and Hamurana on the North Island, and Waiheke Island and Otago on the South Island.
Many of the properties feature a trend of impressive outdoor amenities providing more reasons for guests not to leave. Across the board, the homes offer:
· Six outdoor spas
· Eight homes with alfresco dining looking out to stunning mountain or waterfront views
· Three cosy outdoor fireplaces
· Two homes with direct beach access
· One sauna, gym, trampoline, and sandpit
· One games room with a ping pong table, pinball machine, billiards table, dart board, and bar
· One handy heated and safe storage room for skis, bikes, and boot warmers
“What stands out to me is the variety in this year’s Bach of the Year – from outdoor spas and outdoor fireplaces to a gym, sauna, and alfresco outdoor dining with breathtaking views. With nightly rates ranging from $350 to $3100, this list exemplifies the calibre of holiday homes across Bookabach,” says Bookabatch travel expert Sarah King.
Now in its 13th year, the Bookabach Bach of the Year highlights the most spectacular private holiday homes in New Zealand while also representing a variety of popular holiday destinations and price points. The homes are selected from 12,000 properties on Bookabach, based on criteria including having:
· A 4.5 or higher star rating
· Positive guest reviews
· Standout amenities and spaces for spending time together with friends and family
“The hosts of this year’s Bach of the Year go above and beyond to offer exceptional, reliable and relaxing guest experiences and are key to making a traveller’s holiday seamless,” says Vacation Rentals VP of partner success Tim Rosolio.
“We have incredible partners on our platform and this list of properties really raises the bar and sends a clear and compelling trust signal to travellers about where to find the best, and consistent experiences on Bookabach.”
The Bookabach Bach of the Year 2024 results are:
1. Waikanae Beach, Kāpiti Coast – “Harakeke”, is a remarkable four-bedroom beachfront home with direct beach access. With enough room to sleep six, this modern holiday home offers stunning unobstructed views of Waimea Stream Estuary and Kapiti Island. The property’s clever architectural design provides incredible indoor-outdoor living areas complemented by retro styling and original art. Guests will enjoy stand-out features including underfloor heating, an indoor wood burner, inside and outside baths, and a deluxe hot outdoor shower.
2. Hamurana, Bay Of Plenty – “Toka Ridge Lake View Lux Villa”, enables holidaymakers to relax and have fun in stylish comfort while overlooking Lake Rotorua and rolling hills. This modern four-bedroom villa nestled amongst boulders, native plantings, and modern art sleeps up to eight. Guests will enjoy the private beach access, undercover barbeque area, exploring the local nearby Hamurana reserve and soaking under the stars in the cedar hot tub and whirlpool spa.
3. Greytown, Wellington – The charming “Brittania Villa” is a wonderful holiday home with an incredible story having been relocated from Petone, Wellington over nearby Remutaka Hill to Greytown. Decorated in keeping with a country provincial style, the comfortable family-friendly retreat includes four generous bedrooms to sleep eight guests, and is situated in the heart of town near upmarket bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Guests can relax in the villa’s open lounge, dining, and kitchen area, which extends to a spacious north-west facing deck.
4. Raglan, Waikato – “Byron Hill”, offers a truly magnificent eco-friendly home with 180-degree views of Raglan. This private and peaceful home with enough space for eight guests, boasts all modern conveniences for easy living while on holiday. Suitable for large groups or families, great features include the outdoor shower, underfloor heating, fireplace, and sprawling outdoor deck with a dedicated alfresco dining area.
5. Bluff Hill, Hawkes Bay –Enjoy stunning sea views while staying at “Bluff Hill Beauty”. This charming holiday home with room to sleep six guests, will provide a refreshing group getaway to remember. Thoughtfully decorated and curated with comfort in mind, it offers all the must-haves for a great stay, including a wood burning fireplace for those cosy mid-year breaks, swimming pool and spa.
6. Awaawaroa Bay, Auckland – Nestled on the picturesque unspoiled Eastern end of Waiheke Island with its own private beach, “Circular Bay Cottage”, offers a perfect retreat for those seeking privacy, relaxation and good times while on holiday. This lovingly restored three-bedroom luxurious family cottage with beautiful coastal views has space to sleep up to six. Guests will enjoy time outside taking a dip in the spa and meals at the alfresco dining area.
7. Speargrass Flat, Otago – Positioned in the Dalefield countryside, “Speargrass Lodge”, is an exceptional holiday retreat boasting stunning views of the Coronet and Remarkables mountain ranges. Inside this luxurious and beautifully decorated four-bedroom rural home offers a large open-plan kitchen and living area, media room and space to sleep 10 guests. Step outside to enjoy the pool, ceder spa, alfresco dining area and patio with a cosy outdoor fireplace.
8. Queenstown, Otago – Holiday in ultimate style and luxury at “Castle Cliff Lodge”. This incredible six-bedroom home with breathtaking 270-degree views features many areas for large groups to both socialise and relax. Impressive amenities include the sauna, spa, gym, billiards table, dartboard, ping pong table, pinball machine, bar, and outdoor fireplace. Local designers have collaborated on the lavish tasteful interiors to provide the most indulgent stay.
9. Lower Shotover, Otago – Accommodating up to seven guests, “Maunga View”, is a wonderful holiday home for groups seeking a tranquil rural getaway. Situated in the peaceful Lower Shotover area, a short five-minute drive from Queenstown Airport and shopping centres, it offers convenience in a peaceful setting. Enjoy taking in the stunning views of rolling hills and Coronet Peak during a stay at this modern three-bedroom property which features an open plan dining and living area, and ample amenities including a designer kitchen.
10. Queenstown, Otago – “The Stowaway”, is a spacious four-bedroom lodge-inspired riverside holiday home with beautiful views of the mighty Shotover River. This property puts on a great show with its incredible outdoor amenities including a hot tub, alfresco dining area, well-appointed backyard with trampoline, outside fireplace, and sand pit for the kids. Inside provides modern conveniences with rustic charm and a variety of spaces to relax in comfort. The home also has a handy heated and safe storage room for skis, bikes, and boot warmers.
