“Exceptional,” they say about Bach 78 Islington Bay. This isn’t just any holiday home. This is Bach 8, nestled on Rangitoto Island, a place where time slows and stories echo.
Bach 8 is more than just a building. It represents an iconic part of New Zealand’s history. It’s a reminder of simpler times, when families flocked to the beach for their summer holidays. These modest holiday homes became symbols of a beach lifestyle. This lifestyle became accessible to the middle class in the mid-20th century.
Imagine the 1950s. Roads are improving and more people own cars. Families pack up their belongings and head to the beach. They return to the same spot every year. Baches began popping up in these favorite vacation spots.
Bach 8 stands as a testament to resourcefulness. Baches were often built with cheap materials. Fibrolite and corrugated iron were common. Used timber found a new purpose here. These materials mirrored the backwoods cabins of early settlers. Some even used old trams, especially on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Once upon a time, people thought “bach” was short for “bachelor pad”. But these were family homes. Another idea suggests “bach” comes from the Welsh word for “small”. Welsh miners came to New Zealand. They brought their language with them.
Now, step inside a reconstructed bach from the 1950s. You can find one in the New Zealand Maritime Museum in Auckland. Picture the original products in the adjacent beach shop. This gives you a sense of what life was like. Bach 8 echoes this simpler aesthetic.
Early baches lacked modern amenities. No running water. No electricity. No indoor toilets. They were simply furnished. Secondhand furniture was the norm. But Bach 8, in its time, was a cherished retreat.
Today, many basic baches have been replaced. Modern holiday houses are more common. They’re larger and more expensive. Stricter building codes have changed construction. Coastal land has been subdivided. This brings more people and conveniences.
However, Bach 8 retains its charm. It’s a reminder of the past. It echoes simpler times. This bach sleeps six and offers a cozy retreat.
From Bach 8, Matiatia Wharf Ferry Terminal is a good walk away. Auckland Ferry Terminal is a drive. Mudbrick Vineyard is accessible too. Auckland Airport is within driving distance.
Remember, old baches often have “existing use” rights. The Resource Management Act protects them. This makes them special. Authorities don’t want them turned into full-time residences. Bach 8 stands as a prized piece of history.
So, as you stand here, consider the legacy of Bach 8. It’s not just a building. It’s a symbol of New Zealand’s love for the coast. It’s a reminder of family holidays. It’s a piece of our past that we can still enjoy today.