Best Bach Aotearoa: Nine of the best holiday homes on the market right now

Yes, this is that house you saw on TV. Host Phil Spencer, of the recent series New Zealand’s Best Homes, said, “The house is quiet. It’s not a loud statement, it’s more of a whisper, and it just complements where it sits so perfectly.”

This dream home sits perched on the hill above Otama Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula, one of New Zealand’s most popular locations over the summer months. It’s a north-facing property spanning east to west and has been purposefully designed to slope with the contours of the surrounding topography.

Unsurprisingly, it has been recognised both nationally and internationally for its design and approach to sustainability. Wander down the hill for a morning swim at the beach, or simply sit with a coffee watching the sunrise. The rest of the land has been planted with throes of native bush, making it a richly important asset and a slice of paradise we’d love to call home.

Oh, to wake up surrounded by the native bush and the singsong of birds. Tucked away at the northern end of the Endeavour Inlet in the Marlborough Sounds, finding total peace and serenity in this home is a given.

Built in 2018, the rich red exterior and high ceilings evoke a mid-century vibe that is equal parts cosy and chic. It’s the kind of place you’d want to invite family and friends to all summer long – with five bedrooms, there’s space for everyone, and then some. Plus, it comes with a full chattel list, so you can pack light and enjoy a stress-free holiday from start to finish.

Mangawhai Heads has been having a moment, and we’re here for it. This sunny property is a perfect encapsulation of the relaxed beach town, and a short drive or walk to all the action.

Relax on the front or back deck, or make the most of the large communal areas. All of the living spaces are on the top floor, while downstairs hosts a laundry area and an abundance of storage. Perfect for the jetski, or the kayak, or the fishing gear, it’s a base for the people who spend more time on the water than the land in the height of summer. Oh, and there are fruit trees on the property. Banana, pawpaw or tamarillo, anyone?

This is the bach that dreams are made of. If you ever fancied a slice of your own private paradise on Te Kapa Inlet in Mahurangi East, look no further. The sprawling deck and fire pit elevate the outdoor space, and the beach is a couple of steps away.

Put on your hosting shoes with the three separate studios on site or simply sleep in a different room every evening. Best of all, everything is included in the sale. From furniture to cutlery to an ATV, all you need to do is hop on a boat and coast straight up to the front door.

Lakeside living in a mid-century gem? Sign us up. We can imagine that summer days at this home, designed by Hawke’s Bay architect Guy Natusch in 1961, are spent with the doors flung open, alternating between water activities (Lake Rotoiti is only eight metres away) and lounging on the deck. While the home has been extensively refurbished, the mid-century charm still breathes through every room. Talk about a design geek’s dream.

What makes this Māhia home special is not only the serene, minimalist interiors, but the expanse of environment on your doorstep. On one side, you’re only steps from Mahanga Beach, a perfect destination for the surf-mad to spend their Christmas holidays. On the other hand, the west-facing back deck is shielded from coastal winds and looks out towards rolling hills and wetlands. Starting the day having a swim and ending it with a drink on the back deck? Talk about the best of both worlds.

This is a bach that could easily become a forever home. How could it not? A half-hour walk or a five-minute drive (or a couple minutes boat ride) from Russell township, this recently-built haven has us yearning for a quieter life. The interiors are divine – the client’s brief was “super yacht luxury finish”, so naturally each room has been designed for style and comfort. In a region beloved by boaties, it’s the perfect aesthetic. If you have a super yacht (or runabout, who are we to judge), you can tie up at the end of your own private jetty, a rarity in the Bay of Islands.

Why have one bach when you can have two? Whether you lean more towards the contemporary build or the classic cottage, both homes on offer boast lush gardens and views out to Anzac Bay. Both dwellings have two bedrooms and are fully equipped with a kitchen, bathroom and living space, so there’s no need to run between homes for the essentials.

Situated down the road from the Ostend shops, it’s well-placed for days spent discovering all the beaches and vineyards on offer (and to send someone on a last-minute supermarket run). There’s also a sleepout behind the cottage – sounds like Christmas at yours.

If the gorgeous blue exterior isn’t enough to woo you, the sheer charm of this 1960s bach in Ōhope will do the trick. The image of the classic Kiwi bach is so unique to the summer experience, so this is for those who want that hit of nostalgia every time they escape the city.

You get your own private beach access, which just so happens to be metres from the front door. It’s also equipped with a fireplace and a heat pump, so you can comfortably fall asleep to the sound of the waves all year round.

More property inspiration:

• Eight delightful villas for sale that embody old-world charm
• Some of the most inspiring baches on Your Home and Garden
• A renovated bach in Whangaparāoa became a slice of paradise for these homeowners
• The most expensive houses on the market right now