Humble Taupo bach named NZ's most popular rental holiday house

This waterfront bach at 913 Acacia Bay Road, Taupo, is Holiday Houses most popular in New Zealand.
The two-level house is described as "the ultimate Kiwi bach" and "truly paradise". Photo credit: Holiday Houses

A modest 1960s Taupo bach that costs $140 per night and sleeps up to eight guests is New Zealand's most popular holiday house, according to an accommodation website.

Trade Me's Holiday Houses, which is a competitor to the likes of Airbnb and Bookabach, has released data on its most searched summer getaway spots that reveals Queenstown is the top destination.

But with around 5000 views, the Taupo bach is the website's number one most popular holiday home, despite its apparent no-thrills look.

"This humble Kiwi bach ticks a lot of boxes for holiday-makers because it's affordable, sleeps plenty of guests, is in a great spot and even has its own private beach," says Aaron Clancy from Holiday Houses.

The Acacia Bay Road rental is highly commended by previous-customers on the website, who describe it as "the ultimate Kiwi bach" and "truly paradise" - and praise its condiments.

"Just gorgeous," writes reviewer Tania.

"Great layout and views just stunning. Lots of extra handy things supplied from candles to soy sauce."

This waterfront bach at 913 Acacia Bay Road, Taupo, is Holiday Houses most popular in New Zealand.
The bach's lake edge views are a major selling point. Photo credit: Holiday Houses

The other most popular holiday houses on the top five list are located in Christchurch, Tauranga, the Coromandel and Mt Maunganui.

Despite its association with winter activities, Queenstown has topped Aotearoa's most-searched Christmas holiday destinations with Holiday Houses for the seventh consecutive year.

"Queenstown remains the number one spot for Kiwis over the silly season with 116,000 searches for baches in the area in the last three months," says Clancy.

"The legendary hospitality, panoramic photo opportunities and festivals makes the busy resort town a hot favourite for locals and international visitors alike."

Holiday Houses' top five most popular summer destinations:

  1. Queenstown
  2. Mt Maunganui 
  3. Hanmer Springs 
  4. Rarotonga 
  5. Martinborough 

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