$10,000 reward for helping find New Zealand's Bach of the Year 2018

NZ Herald

17 Oct, 2018 04:01 PM3 mins to read

The Log House: The stay in Glenorchy is one of five baches shortlisted for the design award. Photo / Supplied

The search for New Zealand's best bach is on.

Bookabach.co.nz has opened voting on the 2018 Bach of the Year Awards and is offering Kiwis a $10,000 reward to help them find New Zealand's best holiday let.

They've scoured New Zealand's bush and beaches to create a short list of 40 baches, split between eight categories.

The finalists have been split between these categories including New Zealand's best Designer, Eco-friendly, Family, Indulgence and Unique baches.

However there can be only one 'Bach of the Year' and to decide which holiday let gets top billing the website has asked for New Zealanders to help them decide.

The Challet: The quirky spiral saircase in this Hawkes Bay bach has been nominted as a Unique finalist. Photo / Supplied

"We have established the People's Choice Award as a way for Kiwis to pick their perfect bach," said Bookabach's general manager Peter Miles.

"With more than 11,000 properties listed on bookabach.co.nz, we've given Kiwis a head start and narrowed down the choice to 40 of the best baches, spanning every corner of the country."

Voting for the People's Choice award is being held online at www.bachoftheyear.co.nz, where one lucky voter will be rewarded with a $10,000 voucher to put towards their next holiday.

Tent House: Waiheke's tent shape bach is up for the Design award. Photo / Supplied.

To give you an idea of the standards set by last year's competition, Bach of the Year 2017 was given to a sea side let in Whangamata.

Called simply 'On the Beach' in Whangamata, the 3 bedroom property delivers on that promise.

With sea views of Whenuakura isalnd and a glass-fronted deck, the bach was given an almost perfect score of 9.9 from 150 stays.

On the Beach: Last year's People's Choice winner was a seaside property in Whangamata. Photo / Supplied

Awards will also be given to the top baches in each category.

Judging these will be a panel including TV presenters Goran Paladin and Laura McGoldrick, who will have the enviable task of trying out each of the finalists.

"I'm looking forward to kick start my summer by immersing myself in the selection of incredible holiday homes up and down the country," said Paladin.

The baches up for bookabach's Design awards. Illustration / NZ Herald

McGoldrick is also keen to hand out gold, silver and bronze winners for the baches, saying: "Heading to the bach over Summer is such a Kiwi tradition, and I'm looking forward to seeking out properties that embody this."

Notable baches from last year's winners include The Point near Akaroa, which won Eco-Friendly Gold for it's 'off-grid' approach, and Design Gold for Bespoke Beauty Bach, which offeres sweeping views over the Bay of Plenty.