Baches
of the Year
2024

For the 13th year, Bookabach is recognising some of the best private holiday homes in New Zealand as the 2024 Baches of the Year. These stunning holiday homes are ideal for families and friends to spend quality time together. Bookabach chose these homes based on criteria including stellar star ratings of 4.5 or higher, positive guest reviews, and standout spaces and amenities.

Beyond meeting high-quality standards, the Baches of the Year 2024 offer a diverse array of property types in sought-after destinations throughout New Zealand, featuring stunning waterfront homes, ski lodges and countryside escapes.

Castle Cliff Lodge

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.

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“Welcoming guests upon arrival and seeing their reaction to the home is a highlight of hosting at Castle Cliff Lodge. The delight and enthusiasm from guests genuinely make us so happy.”

Sarah M.

Speargrass Lodge

Speargrass Flat, Queenstown

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. 

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“We are passionate hosts and enjoy sharing our knowledge of the local area. Recommending hidden gems, favourite local eateries and off-the-beaten-path attractions, allows us to contribute to our guests’ overall experience and help them discover the true essence of Queenstown.”

Aaron M.

Toka Ridge Lake View Lux Villa

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 8. 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.  

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“As a family we have always entertained friends and family. Creating the Toka Ridge business was the logical extension of that family tradition and love of hosting paired with our shared collective knowledge.””

Liam J.

Harakeke

Waikanae Beach, Kāpiti Coast

“Harakeke”, is a remarkable four-bedroom beachfront home with direct beach access. With enough room to sleep 6, 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.

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Maunga View

Lower Shotover, Otago

Accommodating up to 7 guests, “Maunga View”, is a wonderful holiday home for groups seeking a tranquil rural getaway. Situated in the peaceful Lower Shotover area, a short 5-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.

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Byron Hill

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 8 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.

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Circular Bay Cottage

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.

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Brittania Villa

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 8 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.

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“We love that others get to appreciate Brittania Villa and they get to come to Greytown to support local businesses and experience what the broader region has to offer. Hearing stories from our visitors about the great time they had attending a wedding, going to a vineyard, or hosting their family for a reunion or a friends get together is such a joy. It’s great that we can provide lots of different experiences to different people.”

Kaleb M.

The Stowaway

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.

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“I love meeting people from all over the world and sharing what New Zealand has to offer, from the amenities in the home, and attractions to see and giving them a 5-star stay every time. Nothing beats a lovely review at the end of the day”

Rebecca F.

Bluff Hill Beauty

Bluff Hill, Hawkes Bay

Enjoy stunning sea views while staying at “Bluff Hill Beauty”. This charming holiday home with room to sleep 6 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. 

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“Bluff Hill is a great place to bring family and friends together – a home away from home. We enjoy giving people a place to base themselves while they explore the wonderful things Hawke’s Bay has to offer.”

Thomas and Melissa O.