Baches out West

Whilst we are in a 'Kiwi as' frame of mind, its time to turn our attention to baches out West. As the summer fades, there are fond memories of times spent by the ocean enjoying a simpler way of life and bunking down in a basic bach each night.

Baches offer easy access to beautiful parts of coastal NZ and also remote inland parts of the country. Whether you are getting out and about amongst it all - taking in the sights, tramping and swimming or just plain relaxing, there is something for everyone. Initially starting off life as quite humble dwellings baches have been spruced up the years into far more luxurious affairs.

Want to find out more about Kiwi baches? Check out the Te Ara website. Get some inspiration from these heritage photos drawn from Auckland Libraries collections and plan your next escape from the city!

Time to catch up with the family:

Ref: Photographer unknown, Family group on the steps of the bach in Happy Valley, Te Henga, c. 1930s, West Auckland Research Centre, Auckland Libraries, JTD-02K-05653-2

Ref: Photographer unknown, group outside bach, atTe Henga/Bethells Beach, c. 1920s, West Auckland Research Centre, Auckland Libraries, JTD-03K-05701

Group time:

Ref: Photographer unknown, a group from Kingsland Methodist Church at K.J. Ryan's bach at Te Henga, c. 1929, West Auckland Research Centre, Auckland Libraries, JTD-02K-05588-1

Ref: Photographer unknown, a group on the veranda of a bach at Muriwai, 1919, West Auckland Research Centre, Auckland Libraries, JTD-01K-01623

Ref: Photographer unknown, a group outside a bach at Cornwallis, 1922, West Auckland Research Centre, Auckland Libraries, JTD-08A-04387

Getting away from it all:

Ref: JT Diamond, Bach at Anawhata, 1955, West Auckland Research Centre, Auckland Libraries, JTD-03A-00382

Ref: Isabel Hooker, bach at Huia, c. 1940s, West Auckland Research Centre, Auckland Libraries, JTD-07A-05272

Ref: JT Diamond, 1958, bach at O'Neill Bay, Te Henga/Bethells Beach, West Auckland Research Centre, Auckland Libraries, JTD-02E-00269

Spending time outdoors:

Ref: Photographer unknown, a group out tramping during a stay at K.J. Ryan's bach, Te Henga/Bethells Beach, c. 1929, West Auckland Research Centre, Auckland Libraries, JTD-02K-05588-4

Ref: Photographer unknown, haircut time at K.J. Ryan's bach, Te Henga/Bethells Beach, c. 1929, West Auckland Research Centre, Auckland Libraries, JTD-02K-05588-2