Monday, December 8, 2008

Our weekend of 'bach-ing' it

Kiwis in the North Island call their holiday homes baches. (Pronounced 'batches'). In the South Island, they're cribs.
We enjoyed our first bach experience this weekend, when Husband, kids and I took a day off work and school, and took Nana to the Coromandel Peninsula to explore another part of New Zealand.
As Bach Virgins, we really weren't sure what to expect, so we were thrilled when our chosen beach house was even more gorgeous than it appeared online. Take a look at http://www.bookabach.co.nz/holiday_homes/dsp_listing.cfm?bachId=4911&kwt=New%20Perspective
The owner was delightful to deal with and gave us a really good last minute deal.
Set across from the beach on Thornton Bay, New Perspective was a rambling home, with a huge deck which was perfect for kicking back and enjoying the scenery. It had all the comforts of home and more, with lovely artwork on the walls, comfortable pillows and duvets (we brought our own linen), a well-stocked kitchen, fireplace and electric blankets (which we didn't need to use). There were even bean bags for the kids (which they did use!)
The nearby town of Thames was a good spot for bargain hunting, particularly the Saturday markets, where we picked up some local bread, raspberries, blueberry pie and other goodies for lunch.
The house and beach were so relaxing, we were happy to spend most of the weekend at our home away from home, wandering the beach, collecting shells, reading, and watching the world go by. The kids loved having a garden to play in again too.







All too soon, the weekend was over, but something tells me we'll be back ...
Collecting shells


Beachcombing











Check out the bowling action!









Feeling right at home ...



Crikey, look at this little beauty (C. catches a crab)










What we thought when we had to leave ...





Low tide at Thornton Bay









Collecting driftwood for a sandcastle















It wouldn't be the beach without fish and chips












Sunset















Shags on rocks














Mmmm, ice-cream









3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, the house and location seem divine. I had no idea NZ had palm trees as pictures in the house photo.

Rachel said...

Maybe you can help me? I'm trying to find the equivalent of a 'bach' in Queensland, to rent for about a week. Do they exist, and what would you guys call them? Do you know of any useful websites? All the ones I can find are for more upmarket holiday 'apartments' and the like...
Frustrated Kiwi
Rachel :o)

MrsDesperate said...

Hi there,
Book a bach has started a service for Australia, but only has a few listings (www.bookabach.co.nz).
Many people rent privately or through real estate agencies.
Or you could try this website, which we have not used personally, but which is supposed to be good www.stayz.com.au.
We often rent apartments via wotif.com too.
Can anyone else help?

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