New Zealand Holiday Homes

We have put together handy information and top tips to help you choose and book your holiday home, covering issues such as:

• what to ask the owner
• New Zealand baches
• holiday homes in the South Pacific
• the variety of holiday homes in Australia

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The Holiday Homes Tradition in New Zealand

In recent years, New Zealand has seen its house prices soar dramatically and New Zealanders are nowadays as likely to rent rather than own their home for a few years. Despite this, there has long been a tradition in New Zealand for families to own a second home in another part of the country. Typically second homes are located in ideal holiday spots, by the sea, by a river, by a forest or by a lake where scenery, sunsets, sports, solitude and sightseeing can be enjoyed to the heart’s content.

Throughout New Zealand, holiday homes, houses, cottages or cabins are often referred to as 'baches' (pronounced like batches), the singular being a bach (pronounced batch). In the South Island, holiday homes are also referred to as cribs.

Holiday homes range from simple, shacks with rudimentary heating and cooking facilities to luxurious lodges complete with spa pools. Some are built by the owners themselves and some are architecturally designed and extremely elegant. They often have great character as generations of each family leave their mark over the years.

Holiday homes are part of New Zealand's cultural history