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Holiday Home Travel Guide to New Zealand

Welcome to our Holiday Home Travel Guide to New Zealand New Zealand is a great place to travel for the independent, adventurous sort. From the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, you will be amazed by the beauty of the country and the amount of places to visit. When you next visit New Zealand, you should consider staying in a NZ holiday home. It is a great way to see the country and experience NZ like real kiwis.

Welcome to our Holiday Home Travel Guide to New Zealand. New Zealand is a great place to travel for the independent, adventurous sort. From the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, you will be amazed by the beauty of the country and the amount of places to visit.

If you are looking for adventure, peace, natural beauty, a welcoming environment, fresh air, mountains, lakes, beaches and everything in between, New Zealand is for you.

The Bay of Islands is the main tourist destination for those visiting Northland. For those who love the water, the Bay of Islands has it all on offer. The Bay of Islands is a centre for big game fishing, and on the water, visitors will be astounded at the sheer beauty that is found in each new bay, inlet, beach or island. The Bay of Islands has some of the most picturesque coastal scenery in New Zealand, so make sure you don't forget the camera!!! The Bay of Island towns includes Waitangi, Kerikeri, Russell, Pihia, Opua and Haruru Falls.

Waitangi: Waitangi is where the founding document of New Zealand, The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Waitangi has been a place of political controversy during Waitangi Day celebrations, but it is most definitely worth visiting. Waitangi offer visitors great facilities, with park-like settings, a great golf course, and a resort all on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds site.

Kerikeri: Kerikeri is a fantastic town to linger in, and was voted New Zealand's top small town. It is rich with history, and visitors can visit the historic Kerikeri Mission Station for a very small cost. The Stone Store and Kemp House, which make up the Mission Station are New Zealand's two oldest buildings, and exploring them actually makes you feel as if you have stepped back into another century, offering a fantastic glimpse at what life was like for early missionaries in New Zealand. Kororipo Pa and Rainbow Falls are also a must-see for first time visitors to the area, with stunning photograph opportunities.

The Kerikeri township offers great dining opportunities, and some wonderful boutique stores. Definitely worth visiting is the Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory, with free samples, and a wonderful selection of handmade confectionery. Kerikeri offers citrus lovers all they could ask for - its rich soil and mild climate means there are countless citrus orchards and many other horticultural products on offer. Kerikeri is also home to numerous galleries with a huge selection of local arts and crafts that will make welcome additions to any collections.

Russell: Being the original capital of New Zealand, Russell is rich in our nation's history, from the old church sprayed with bullet holes from the Maori wars to the British flagstaff Maori Chief 'Hone Heke' chopped down three times in the late 19th century to the Pompallier House, where the missionaries set up and printed the Maori versions of the bible. Besides its history, Russell is a beautiful quiet little town with amazing views of the bay of islands across to Paihia and a great little caf and restaurant scene. A car ferry links Russell to Opua. Russell is also a good base for those who enjoy fishing, and there are trips available for both deep-sea anglers, and those who prefer lighter fishing.

Paihia: Paihia is known to many as the Jewel of the Bay of Islands, and is the major tourist destination for those visiting Northland. Paihia and Russel are linked by a ferry, and the busy local wharf is also the departure point for many local cruises taking visitors to explore the beautiful coastal scenery that the Bay of Islands is so famous for. Paihia is the base for most tours, cruises, and bus trips that take thousands of visitors every year to explore the Northland Region. Waitangi is only a 25-minute walk from central Paihia. For those who enjoy dining and shopping, Paihia offers some great boutique style shops, and a selection of different eateries to choose from.

Opua: Opua is the port for the car ferry, linking Paihia to Russell. Family holiday homes overlook the tranquil harbour, which is a popular spot for recreational boaties to explore. The Opua Marina has lead to the development of a number of marine industries, and is a popular mooring spot for locals and visitors.

Haruru Falls Haruru Falls are known as the Heart of the Bay of Islands, and the beautiful falls were the landing site for European traders in the early 1800s. Cherry Tree Lane was the first registered road in New Zealand, and leads up to the falls. There is a popular walking track along the Waitangi Inlet from Haruru.

Waiheke Island is a great place to visit. Only a 30 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, yet it seems like it is a world away. Waiheke Island is the largest island in the inner Hauraki Gulf, and combines the comfort of small town community with city life, as many residents commute daily to Auckland City. Waiheke is home to a number of local artists, crafts people and writers, who all enjoy the unique combination of lifestyles that the island offers. Oneroa, Little Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi are white sandy beaches that are popular for swimming, surfing, and diving. Visitors to Waiheke will enjoy the award-winning vineyards, charter boats and tours, kayaking, horse trekking, mountain biking, bushwalking and golfing. Palm Beach is one of Waiheke's most beautiful Northern Beaches. Offering safe swimming at all tides, Palm Beach is easily reached by catching the number 2 bus from Matatia Wharf or a short drive from the Kenedy Point car ferry. Along with its white sands Palm Beach also offers a children's playground, changing sheds and toilets. A general store, The Palm Beach Club House (restaurant / cafe/ bar) and icecream palour are also located close to the beach.

See further information about holidaying in Waiheke.

The Coromandel Peninsula is a very popular location, truly beautiful beaches. And, home to some of the most stunning NZ holiday homes, perched up with views of the ocean through to right on the beach. I still find it amazing that you can rent one of these private vacation holiday homes.

From wild rocky beaches to sandy coves, unique art work to green mountain ranges, sparkling seas to world class dining, the Coromandel Peninsula has much to offer, and is only three hours drive from Auckland, Tauranga or Hamilton. Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove, both world-renowned tourist attractions are found on the peninsula. The Coromandel Peninsula is the perfect place to rent a holiday home as there is so much to see and do. Cathedral Cove is world famous, and can be accessed from the holiday town of Hahei. See further information about holidaying in the Coromandel.

http://www.bachcare.co.nz/accommodation-holiday-homes/coromandel.

There are lots of different small holiday communities throughout the Coromandel. These towns include Thames, Coromandel Township, Colville - Port Jackson, Whangapoua, Matarangi Kuaotunu, Opito Bay, Otama Bay:

Thames / Thames Coast - The gateway to the peninsula was once a gold mining town, and relics of the era still remain today, many of the oldest homes in the district are found here. The Thames coast boasts one of the most scenic stretches of road in the country, and is truly spectacular in early summer with its explosion of red pohutukawa flowers along the road. Holiday homes along the coastline enjoy uninterrupted views of the Hauraki Gulf.

Coromandel Township - This is without a doubt the quaintest spot on the peninsula, and it is easy to spend time browsing the local art galleries, offering work from many of the local artists who find inspiration in the beauty to be found in the region. The local cafes are well worth a visit, as is the legendary smoke house, with a huge selection of freshly smoked local seafood. Also worth a visit is Driving Creek Railway, with its unique miniature railway.

Colville-Port Jackson - This wilderness is best explored by those not prone to carsickness, but the untainted landscapes of this coastline make the effort worthwhile. On clear days the view stretches right across the Hauraki Gulf.

Post-card picturesque Whangapoua is only a short walk from the truly special New Chums beach, one of the last unsettled beaches. This is a perfect beach playground for the kids and harbour access makes it a great launching spot for boaties and fishermen.

The Matarangi beach settlement is made up of mostly beach houses, meaning in summer it swings into life. Pathways between streets make it perfect for children to safely explore on foot or bike, and the acclaimed Matarangi Golf Course is great way for grown-ups to while away the day. The beach is safe for swimming, and is lined with beautiful sandy dunes. Located half way between the bigger settlements of Whitianga and Coromandel Town, it is easy to see why this is such a popular holiday spot.

Offering both rocky beach and sandy dunes, Kuaotunu is never anything but relaxing. A must is a famous ice-cream from the Kuaotunu store - which really have to be seen (and eaten) to be believed. The coastal road from Kuaotunu to Matarangi offers a few good surfcasting spots, and is a nice alternative to the main highway. Holiday homes here all have easy access to the beach.

Opito Bay is a wonderful sandy beach and is increasingly popular with holiday homeowners, offering a perfect escape from the drama of city life. Whether you are looking to befriend the neighbours, or just enjoy your own company, Opito Bay offers both in abundance, as well as a wonderfully safe beach for the children.

To say Otama Bay beach is spectacular is an understatement. All that needs to be said is that your family will fall in love with this holiday spot, it is truly something special.

Flaxmill Bay offers an unspoilt beach that is great for young children, who will have hours of fun playing in the lake-like waves, exploring the intriguing limestone formations and fossicking in the sand for the many treasures to be found here. A great family day out is an easy walk up to the scenic Shakespeare's Cliff and down to the secluded Lonely Bay, perfect for picnics and swimming. Most holiday homes here enjoy great views out across the bay.

Cooks Beach is a long, flat sandy beach that is a popular spot for holiday home dwellers, many who have been spending summers here for generations. Kids, teenagers and parents alike find the seaside settlement offers the perfect holiday getaway, and lasting friendships are often formed between regulars to the beach. Cooks Beach is the ideal place to launch a boat from the boat ramp.

Hahei - The small settlement of Hahei kicks into action every summer, with holiday homes spilling over with families making the most of the safe white sandy beach, the great snorkelling found in the marine reserve, and proximity to the world-famous Cathedral Cove. Hahei boasts many beautiful holiday homes, designed to reflect the natural beauty of the beach, which has fantastic views across to the offshore islands. The playground, library, ice-cream parlour, cafes/restaurants, tennis courts and store ensure a great family holiday. The annual Hahei Fair is a popular day out for all the family too.

Hot Water Beach - This world-famous beach has natural hot water springs underneath the sand, that can be revealed two hours either side of low tide. Because it is a surf beach, it is important to only swim on the beach between the flags when the local volunteer surf lifeguards are on duty. The hot springs are a must-see when in the area, meaning this beach is very popular with visitors to the region.

The Tairua Harbour, and the surrounding hills are nothing if not picturesque. Holiday homes on the hills above the town, and on the majestic Mt Paku give stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Offering both a dramatic surf beach and settled harbour, Tairua has the best of both worlds. The nearby Broken Hills recreation area, by Hikuai, is a great place to explore, with old gold mines and fresh water streams and swimming holes. Slipper Island is a short boat trip away, and is a great diving spot.

A short ferry trip across the harbour from Tairua, Pauanui is an established holiday home settlement with a world-class golf resort, surf beach and surf club, as well as the well known Pauanui Waterways, bustling with people out on the water during summer.

Opoutere is a wind-swept surf beach, and is a great place to forget the real world. Holiday homes here are often kept for in the family for generations, holding on to the notion of the classic kiwi summer holiday. Step back in time in Opoutere. Visit the world famous bird colony. Opotoure boasts one of the only beaches that can not be accessed directly by car, protect the uniqueness of the area.

Onemana is, once again, a great place to relax and to forget the worries of the real world. With a sandy beach and forest-clad hills, the holiday homes here enjoy great outlooks.

Whangamata is a great place in the summer to forget the stresses and strains of the city. This is a very popular spot for teenagers over New Year' s Eve, and families who enjoy a great summer in their home away from home. The annual Whangamata Beach Hop rock and roll/classic car festival attracts thousands of visitors to the area.

Rotorua is also another very popular spot for the international visitor to NZ. Many say it is the tourism capital of NZ. Rotorua is one of the richest cultural heritage areas in New Zealand, and as such, is one of the most popular tourist locations. There is a richness in Rotorua that other locations in New Zealand just cannot offer. Manaakitanga (Feel the Spirit) is one of the key messages sent out by the region, and on arrival, you will see why. There are many world-renowned tourist attractions, which highlight the regions best features. There is an array of Maori Cultural activities and shows to be found here, which offer visitors a unique and memorable experience. Rotorua is also a world famous geothermal region, with many fantastic locations to visit, including the famous Whakarewarewa Thermal Village. For those who love luxury, pamper yourselves at one of the many day spas in Rotorua. Other popular spots with visitors to the Rotorua region include Rainbow Springs, the Buried Village, Lake Tarawera, and the Blue and Green Lakes. Visit nearby Lake Rotoiti for some great fishing, as well as Lake Rotoma and Lake Rotuehu. See further information about holidaying in Rotorua

In the middle of the North Island, or often referred to as the Central North Island, is the Tongariro National Park. Tongariro National Park was New Zealand's first National Park, created in 1887 when Ngati Tuwharetoa gifted the three volcanic peaks to the people of New Zealand. The Tongariro World Heritage National Park contains three of New Zealand's better-known volcanoes, Mount Tongariro, Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe. Visitors can drive around all three on the scenic Volcanic Loop Highway. The 17 kilometre Tongariro Crossing is truly spectacular, and is considered to be one of the best one-day walks in New Zealand.

There are hundreds of other walking tracks to explore throughout National Park, for trampers of all fitness levels and experience. There a hunting opportunities too, but it is the ski fields that attract most visitors to National Park. Whakapapa, Turoa, and Tukino are the three ski fields that attract thousands of ski enthusiasts every winter. Mount Ruapehu is home to the Whakapapa and Turoa ski areas, and together, they make up the largest ski area in New Zealand, with over 1800 hectares of snow catering to all levels of skiing and snowboarding experience.

Ohakune, the carrot capital of New Zealand, is the southern gateway to the Tongariro National Park World Heritage Site and Turoa Ski field. Ohakune is popular with visitors year round - in summer for outdoor activities, walking trails, and exploring Tongariro National Park. In winter Ohakune hums with the thousands of skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts keen for some lovely snow action on Turoa at Mt Ruapehu! The Winter Mardi Gras festival is always popular, and the town's holiday home accommodation and chalet rentals always books out fast!

Ohakune is a great base for mountain biking and cycling. Ride the 42 Traverse, an amazing offroad mountain biking experience. See further information on holidays in Ruapehu.

National Park is tiny, with a population of only 234, but there are lots of exploring opportunities, with bike trails leading everywhere. There are horse treks, canoeing, and biking adventures and heaps of truly spectacular scenic locations well worth a visit.

Not far away is Turangi, the Trout Fishing Capital of the world. Turangi is conveniently located between Taupo and Tongariro National Park. Located at the southern end of Lake Taupo, there are numerous outdoor activites centred in the area, centred around the Tongariro River, Lake Taupo, and the Tongariro National Park and Kaimanwaw State Forest Park. Fishing, hunting, skiing, tramping are all easily accessible.

Turangi is the trout fishing capital of the world, and the Tongariro River, which runs through it, offers some of the best trout fishing you will find. Turangi is also home to the Tongariro National Trout Centre, run by the Department of Conservation. At the National Trout Centre, visitors can experience of life as a trout, with an under-river viewing room, with live trout swimming past the glass, and fishermen on the other side of the river trying to catch them!

In the Top of the South Island are two very well known areas - Marlborough Sounds and the greater Nelson area.

Marlborough is blessed with a year-round sunny climate. The airports at Blenheim and Picton link Marlborough to all major destinations in NZ. Marlbough is a place to linger in, stunning water views, spectacular scenery, wineries, eateries, and adventure activities. Marlborough hosts a number of popular events through the year, which attract visitors from across the world. These include the annual Wine Marlborough Festival, held every February; Hunters Garden Marlborough, held every November; and the Classic Fighter's Air Show, held every second Easter, alternating with the Wanaka air show. Marlborough is also the southern entry point for the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail and the start of the Treasured Pathway touring route.

The Marlborough Sounds make up one-sixth of the total coastline of New Zealand, and was the first established maritime park. The Marlborough Sounds is made up of the Queen Charlotte Sound, Pelorus Sound, and Kenepuru Sound, offering visitors a maze of endless inlets, coves and islands to explore. The Queen Charlotte Track starts at Ship Cove, and ends at Anakiwa, but there are a number of other entry and exit points, so those exploring the track can do so at a level that suits their own ability. The Marlborough Sounds can be accessed via water taxis from Picton. See further information about holidaying in Marlborough and the Marlborough Sounds

Nelson is an area with a varied geographic landscape, offering visitors many different outdoor experiences. Nelson offers visitors the chance to explore three very different national parks, that lie within 90 minutes drive of each other. The three parks are the coastal Abel Tasman National Park, the alpine Nelson Lakes National Park, and the rugged wilderness that is the Kahurangi National Park. Nelson is the home of the renowned Montana World of Wearable Art Museum, which is a popular attraction with visitors, the Nelson School of Music Winter Festival, and the New Zealand Chamber Music Festival. The Nelson area is home to hundreds of full time professional artists, which means visitors are bound to find something just right for them. Nelson also offers a number of wonderful orchards, breweries, wineries, and eateries for those wanting to satisfy their tastebuds.

Nelson City is a scenic, sunny city, offering visitors either a relaxing or energetic holiday. For those who prefer relaxation, there are a number of art and craft boutique stores, beautiful public gardens, eateries, galleries, and the museum to explore in Nelson. There are more than 350 working artists and craftspeople living in Nelson, including traditional and contemporary Maori artists. Visit in time for the Nelson Arts Festival in October. For those who love adventure, Nelson offers 4WD motor biking, sky diving, horse trekking, and the Skywire, which is a high speed, flying fox boasting the latest technology. Another popular attraction for visitors to Nelson is the Hooked on Seafood, showing the very best of the cuisine, wine, local produce, and seafood on offer in Nelson. See further information about holidaying in Nelson.

Motueka is another very popular tourist destination, as it lies within close proximity of a number of beaches and the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks. Motueka is home to many horticultural producers, and as such, attracts large numbers of seasonal workers who bring with them diverse backgrounds, enriching the local culture and atmosphere. The Motueka River is a popular spot for trout fishing too.

The golden sand of Kaiteriteri has become synonymous with summer sun, sea and camping. This iconic seaside paradise has been attracting holidaymakers from all over the country since the 1920s. Every summer Kaiteriteri comes alive with competitions on and off the water, outdoor events, beauty pageants, and the well-known New Year's gala. While development has gone ahead (a restaurant/caf opened in 2002), Kaiteriteri remains available and affordable for all and the ecological environmental is maintained. Situated near the entrance to the stunning Abel Tasman National Park. See further information on holidays in the Tasman Bay.

Little Kaiteriteri is a peaceful bay adjacent to the golden sand of Kaiteriteri. Situated near the entrance to the stunning Abel Tasman National Park, and it is also only a 45 minute drive to the exciting arts capital of New Zealand, Nelson.

The main gateway into the Abel Tasman National Park, Marahau has a lovely beach and a choice of places to stay. Catch a water taxi or hire a kayak. Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest National Park in New Zealand, but it is one of the most scenic. Abel Tasman boasts pristine white sandy beaches, tranquil estuaries and wonderful forested headlands. The Coastal Track is world famous, and visitors can choose to explore it on their own, or with a guide. Other ways to explore the coastline include sea kayaking, yacht, or water taxis. At the southern entrance to Abel Tasman National Park there is fantastic opportunity for visitors to swim with seals.

Golden Bay offers visitors a chance to experience the two very different national parks (Abel Tasman and Kahurangi), both are situated close to the town. Popular tracks through Kahurangi National Park can be started from Golden Bay, as can 4WD Tours to the scenic Farewell Spit. Te Waikorupupu (Pupu) Springs are renowned for being the clearest in the world. Other popular spots in Golden Bay are the Aorere Goldfields, Wharariki Beach, and the Westhaven Inlet, as well as the many cafes and boutique arts stores.

No trip to New Zealand is complete without a visit to the Queenstown Southern Lakes area in the Southern Alps. This is a true adventure playground. With Lake Wakatipu in the centre of Queenstown, with Treble Cone, Coronet Peak nearby. In Queenstown, you can participate in bungy jumping, jet boat riding, and heaps of wild adrenalin rides. Nearby is Arrowtown and Lake Wanaka. See further information on holidays in Queenstown.

So, as you can see, there are so many wonderful places to visit in New Zealand. If you want a truly authentic kiwi experience, you need to stay in a NZ holiday home and you should visit some of these smaller holiday communities. Bachcare Holiday Home Rentals can assist you find the perfect NZ holiday home.

What better way to enjoy a completely relaxing holiday than in your very own holiday home? How many times have you been on holiday only to feel that you haven't really been able to experience the essence of what that country is about.

Well here's the opportunity, you get all the benefits of local knowledge staying in holiday homes that are in the very best spots in New Zealand. This allows you to really experience and enjoy the natural environment the same way New Zealanders do when holidaying. Whether it be a lake, seaside retreat or an alpine escape you are looking for, a holiday home is a fantastic way to unpack, unwind and holiday like the Kiwi's do.

A holiday home offers you the opportunity to get out of the hotel environment, enjoy some time to yourself in a casual and comfortable retreat that is all yours to kick back and relax!

To book a holiday home, it is really easy. You can go to a website like Bachcare, look through an extensive range of NZ holiday homes available for rent, from simple traditional kiwi baches through to very modern and luxurious holiday houses. The website will show when each house is available and how much it costs to rent. You book online with visa or mastercard. Then, when you arrive in your chosen holiday home, a local holiday manager will meet you onsite. The holiday home has already been pre-serviced, so it is all clean and ready for your arrival. You can even rent linen at many of these holiday homes and pay for cleaning when you leave, so you can treat it like a motel or hotel! The local holiday manager from Bachcare lives in the local community and they can tell you more about the local area, the local hot spots, where to go. Find out all the local secrets!

Bachcare is an organisation dedicated to helping our visitors enjoy their own slice of New Zealand paradise through their stay in an authentic NZ holiday home. Bachcare holiday homes are ideal for the FIT traveller looking for a true Kiwi experience.

Bachcare holiday homes are fully equipped private homes, each house is unique and reflects the individual style of the owner. Every visitor is met by a Bachcare representative on arival and familiarised with the property and given local information.

Bachcare can help make the visitors stay even more enjoyable through the provision of additional services such as a chef, additional equipment or activities.

There are so many different styles of holiday homes. Here are some helpful definitions for NZ's wide range of holiday houses:

Traditional Bach - A basic holiday home including the bare basics ofhome. Some baches may have quirky characteristics and perhaps a shower in a separate block or a caravan on the section for additional bedding. Often an older property without modern applicances.

Modernised Holiday Home - An older holiday home that has undergone renovations in the last 10-15 years to give a more updated decor.

Modern Holiday Home - Built in the last 15 years and reflects a more contemporary feel with modern fittings and furnishings.

Holiday Apartment - An apartment in part of a complex that has been built within the last 10 years.

Whether you are going to the Bay of Islands, Waiheke, Coromandel, Rotorua, Ruapehu, Queenstown or somewhere in between, check out NZ's holiday homes for your accommodation option! Experience NZ like real kiwis. Take a break from hotels or motels or backpackers and rent your own fully equipped full house. A great way to relax and rejuvenate, and it is very affordable