Research shows New Zealanders look for bliss over basic in a bach holiday

A mainstay of New Zealand holidays over the decades, new research shows that the rustic bach could be headed for an upgrade with more New Zealanders looking for a touch of luxury when renting a bach.

The survey of over 800 New Zealand holiday makers by holiday home provider Bachcare shows that 52% of those surveyed are looking for increased comfort when renting a holiday home, with the traditional rustic bach appealing to only 38% surveyed, down from 42% in 2015.

Bachcare Director of Marketing Richard Carey says New Zealanders no longer pack everything but the kitchen sink when they go on holiday in favour of properties that provide hotel-like amenities..

Carey explains “the appeal of a quaint, creaky bach is still strong, however increasingly it seems kiwis are showing a preference towards more modern services and amenities, with most people surveyed saying they preferred baches with added luxuries including real-time online booking - 96%, hotel style consumables - 84%, cleaning and rubbish removal services - 77%, and Wi-Fi, 63%.

“While New Zealanders are looking for slightly more luxurious baches, the fundamentals of a classic Kiwi holiday remain timeless.

“Holidays that centre around water attractions such as the beach or lakes remain a firm favourite as does spending time with friends and family - both 84% - while swimming - 63%, enjoying local tourism activities - 60% and the classic Kiwi BBQ - 58% - rounded out the top bach essentials.”

Being on holiday doesn’t necessarily mean New Zealanders are totally getting away from it all, with more than a third of those surveyed (38%) admitting to checking work emails on their break.

Surprisingly, bach location was secondary to space and comfort in terms of what customers look for when considering their holiday needs.

Bachs are a staple of New Zealand culture, with nearly all (98%) of those surveyed saying they believe a bach holiday is an important part of Kiwi culture.

Demand for managed holiday home accommodation is growing steadily with Bachcare (New Zealand’s leading full-service holiday home rental and management provider) set to host over 100,000 guests in homes around the country this year.

Carey adds “we are seeing more and more of our customers gravitate towards full-service properties where they can get the best of the bach experience while having the convenience of those added luxuries, such as cleaning services, linen, and Wi-Fi, taken care of, including a personal service whenever needed.

“The ability to rent a holiday home efficiently with instant online booking, and the ability to book same-day arrivals is also vital for the modern guest.”

Images show classic New Zealand bachs. Courtesy of Bachcare.

11th February 2016 - HOTEL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY IN AORAKI MT COOK NATIONAL PARK

28th December 2015 - MAJOR INVESTMENTS IN NEW ZEALAND HOLIDAY PARKS

20th November 2015 - NEW PEOPLE AND SKILLS FRAMEWORK TO SUPPORT NEW ZEALAND TOURISM’S GROWTH GOALS

27th March 2015 - NEW RESEARCH SHOWS HEALTHY STATE OF NEW ZEALAND TOURISM