Find the best places for a New Zealand bach stay
From alpine splendour to pristine beaches and vibrant wine valleys, New Zealand offers a varied landscape and endless opportunities for fun and adventure. You can find thrills in the outdoors, fascinating historic wonders, family attractions and delicious wines and artisan food experiences, all within reach of a New Zealand bach. You can book baches on the beach, near the city or in the heart of the mountains so your favourite adventures will be right outside your door. Learn all about the best places for baches in New Zealand and see what you can do during your stay for an unforgettable holiday experience.
Raglan for cultural experience
Located southwest of Auckland on the North Island, Raglan is a quirky cultural gem that offers an incredible music scene and black-sand beaches with spectacular surf breaks. You’ll find many opportunities for water sports, especially on the consistent break along Whale Bay. If you prefer quieter experiences, you can spend time at the harbour with its calm, gentle waters for family beach days. You’ll have a variety of baches to choose from in Raglan, all boasting the historic charm of the town and an array of amenities.
Kuaotunu for family fun
The charming seaside settlement of Kuaotunu is known for its quintessential coastal attractions, including seafood restaurants, ice cream shops and quirky boutiques. The namesake beach offers soft sand and gentle waters for swimming and wading, and you may even catch a glimpse of frolicking dolphins in the distance. You also have Otama Beach, a scenic beach surrounded by pohutukawa trees and lagoon waters, and Opito Bay, a bay beach with island views and safe swimming areas for kids. Baches in Kuaotonu can be found near the beaches for more time to enjoy the coast and take advantage of outdoor activities and water sports. A family holiday house provides you with plenty of kid-friendly features, such as television, books and games for kids, a fully kitchen to prepare meals for the family and proximity to beaches and attractions.
Hawke’s Bay for wine trails
Renowned for its wineries and wine trails, Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s wine country and is home to many exciting attractions. The region is known for award-winning wines and bicycle wine tours that travel past prominent cellar doors and artisan producers. You can also take guided tours in vintage cars to see the region’s most impressive art deco architecture or spend your time walking on the coastal tracks to see the views of the landscape. Baches are available all over Hawke’s Bay, whether you want to stay near the city or nestled in the rainforest, so you can experience the best attractions.
Purakaunui for adventure with the kids
Purakaunui is a charming settlement near Dunedin on an inlet with beautiful beaches and scenic forested areas for outdoor experiences with the kids. The area is known for its abundance of birdlife, much of which nests near the local beaches. There’s also Mapoutahi Pa, a rugged headland that offers incredible views of the coast. Much of Purakaunui’s coast features holiday baches within walking distance of the beaches. When you stay in a Purakaunui bach, you can spend your days swimming, boating and sunbathing at the area’s beautiful bay beaches.
Golden Bay for family fun
Golden Bay is a stunning bay near the tip of the South Island. Part of the Tasman Sea, Golden Bay is home to a variety of beautiful beaches and freshwater hot springs. You’ll find natural wonders like the Ngarua Caves and Harwoods Hole, a subterranean cave system that reaches 183 metres down. Golden Bay has numerous Maori sacred places, so you can take a cultural tour on a walking track with interpretive spots along the way. If you want to experience the best of Golden Bay, you can book a bach anywhere in the region and have quick access to beaches, hiking trails and cultural sites. You’ll even find baches on the edge of the shoreline so the sand will be at your doorstep. A place like Maple’s Den offers space for the whole family, a wealth of DVDs and board games for kids, beach access, bunk beds and wildlife.
Wanaka for outdoor activities
Known for its laid-back atmosphere and scenic wilderness surrounds, Wanaka is a great place for nature lovers. The alpine town is near Mount Aspiring National Park and the Southern Alps, so many adventurers flock here for canyoning, climbing, mountaineering, hiking, biking and skydiving. You’ll also find thrills on the water, such as kayaking, jet boating and sailing. In winter, Wanaka is one of the best places in New Zealand for skiing, snowboarding and winter activities with the kids. Whatever the season, baches in Wanaka put you in the heart of the landscape to enjoy all of its adventures.