Bookabach, New Zealand’s original holiday home website, has released its annual list of New Zealand’s top 10 holiday homes.
This year’s winning baches further cement Kiwis’ love affair with stylish, new-age baches.
In the awards’ 11th year, the coveted gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to properties in Northland, Coromandel and Ohakune. The wins are set to be a boost for New Zealand’s domestic tourism industry as it prepared to bounce back from current lockdowns.
“We are thrilled to announce the 2021 winners of the Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards. This year's winners list proves the humble quintessential bach has been forever transformed into some of the country’s most sophisticated and stylish holiday homes,” says Simone Scoppa, travel expert at Bookabach.
“The winning baches reflect today’s travel trends where we’re increasingly seeing Kiwis take frequent and sometimes last-minute road trips to private holiday houses. The homes are also reflective of how Kiwis love the great outdoors with popular locations including Ohakune for its surrounding all-season mountain experiences to the beaches of Northland, the Coromandel and Kapiti Coast,” says Simone.
Bookabach awarded the gold medal to ‘Collies Beach House’ in Mangawhai Heads, Northland. A mere 30 metres from the waters edge, the house has nine bedrooms and is popular amongst large, multi-generation families or families travelling together.
There’s indoor and outdoor fireplaces for winter and air conditioning in every room for summer. Kids are entertained with the swing set and trampoline whilst adults soak up the large north facing deck for sundowner drinks. Stylishly decorated with black and white throughout, this is no ordinary bach.
In the Coromandel, a Hahei home perched on the Pa Hill has taken the silver accolade. ‘Hahei Ocean Dream’ is a hit with families travelling with teens given the fourth bedroom and third bathroom are in a separate sleepout from the main house. With ocean views and surrounded by native bush, the home has recently been renovated with a new master bedroom, kitchen, scullery and bathrooms.
Further south, but staying in the North Island, a cosy cabin retreat 10 minutes from Ohakanue was awarded bronze. Nestled amongst trees and paddocks, Redrock Hut is a blend of rustic and modern design with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Guests are encouraged to bring their hiking boots, skis and mountain bikes to explore the outdoors including one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks – the Tongariro Crossing.
The seven other holiday homes on the shortlist include:
- A stylish Queenstown luxury home overlooking the Remarkables Mountain Range and Lake Wakatipu.
- The aptly named ‘Big Bach’ in Raumati South on the Kapiti Coast. This stylish bach sleeps up to 25 guests and is right on the beach.
- A four bedroom bach named ‘Bluebird on Snowmass’ made the list and is where guests can soak in the spa whilst drinking in views of Mount Ruapehu.
- A dog-friendly and stylish barn overlooking the rugged West Coast at Raglan with its 360 degree views, sun filled and spacious rooms.
- A ‘Coastal Charmer’ in Mangawhai Heads with multiple living and entertainment areas for large families to be together inside and out.
- Dal Riata at Sandy Bay in Northland which offers uninterrupted views of Poor Knights Islands and sleeps 11.
- The Purple House in Ohakune which is packed with charm given its balance between retro and contemporary.
Full details of the 2021 winners list can be found at: www.bookabach.co.nz/awards
The awards were based on a judging criteria of bookings over past year, traveller reviews and star ratings and relevance of amenities and the home catering to Kiwi families.
