Basic bach, simple joys of classic Kiwi break

Holiday baches line the foreshore at Scandrett Regional Park where the children can run free. Photo / Auckland Regional Council

Growing interest in simple bach holidays in million-dollar home locations has prompted Auckland Regional Council to increase the numbers of cottages for hire in its parks.

In three years, it has restored 13 buildings in bush and farm settings at nine parks for the public to use. Its "bach escapes" policy plans to add nine more former farmer and ranger cottages once they have been brought up to a modest living standard which does not include fitting televisions.

The properties are at coastal beauty spots within 90 minutes' drive of Auckland, from Long Bay on the North Shore and Army Bay on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, to the remote Tapapakanga Regional Park on the Firth of Thames.

Cottages in the parks' network are priced from $120 a night in summer to $80 a night in winter, and cater for six to eight people. "We try to keep it affordable for families and groups of friends," said ARC Parks chairwoman Sandra Coney.

The council entered into the holiday accommodation market because it was worried about the trend of basic beach baches being replaced by luxurious homes.

"Little beach communities with basic baches have turned into suburbs of big holiday homes.

"People are being priced out of the beachfront and the tradition of a bach holiday," said Ms Coney.

"The kids miss out on the simple joys of staying on the beachfront ... waking up to the sound of the water lapping on the shore, going fishing, looking for shells, having a barbecue at night."

When the council bought land containing a cluster of baches near Snells Beach for a new regional park it was decided to keep three historic ones in a little bay. They were restored in 1950s-style, and their septic tank systems were upgraded. They will soon be joined by the Scandrett homestead when it becomes available.

Average occupancy for the 13 in the whole parks network is 62 per cent this year. People can check on a website when baches are available but Ms Coney said bookings cannot be made further than six months ahead.

The council also plans to expand tent camping spots in its 16 parks which cost $10 a night for adults.

* How to book - arc.govt.nz

* Bach excapes

Present: Atiu Creek, Awhitu Camp and Awhitu house, Mahurangi (Baileys Cottage, Big Bay Bach, Ferguson House and Vine House); Scandrett (Coldham Bach, Graham Bach and Moonlight Bach), Tawharanui, Waitakere Ranges (Barr Cottage); Wenderholm (beach house).

Proposed: Atiu creek, Hunua Ranges, Long Bay, Mahurangi West (Puhoi cottage); Scandrett (homestead); Shakespear (Army Bay); Tapapakanga (Ashby house); Waharau and Waitakere Ranges (Whare Puke).