CLOSER TO HOME
During the recent school holidays, many New Zealanders who would typically flee to warmer climes looked local and set off on Kiwi road trips, exploring the extraordinary variety of special locations that lie on our doorstep.
We have been forced by circumstance to take a fresh look at what is nearby, accessible, and of course, safe. And while the world situation is unnerving, there’s something nice about a renewed enthusiasm for Aotearoa’s unique charms.
I hear that Queenstown was positively bustling during the break, which is wonderful for the local economy and a treat for those who may not have visited the region otherwise.
While exploring new locations is exciting, something is comforting about packing up the car and heading to a well-known spot, where every dune or river bed is not only picturesque but peppered with years of precious memories.
Owning a bach is a luxury that’s not within everyone’s reach, and many enjoy the benefits while avoiding the ongoing maintenancecost of ownership by booking the same rental every year – there’s no need to worry about it when you get back to town.
If you are lucky enough to be able to purchase a bach or holiday home, it brings with it the opportunity to create the ultimate holiday destination that’s just for you. Whether your budget allows for luxury or the simplicity of the basic cottage with mismatched furniture and bunks in the garage, location will always be the key.
When choosing a spot, think about what your family loves to do. Is it skiing, mountain biking or lying on the beach that they look forward to each year? You’ll also want to consider the travel time from home as well as how easy it will be to rent out when you’re not using it. Homes with sea views tend to hold their value – and who wouldn’t want to have secured a slice of the coastline to retire to one day or pass down through the generations?
When considering your outdoor spaces at a holiday home, functionality becomes a key factor as kids, pets, boats come and go, and storage for equipment is an important consideration. With landscaping, take into account the natural environment when choosing materials and planting. What grows naturally in the surrounding area will also thrive in your garden. Relaxed meals and entertaining friends call for sheltered seating, barbecues, and outdoor fires for toasted marshmallows.
We are over halfway through the year and summer holidays will soon be on our minds. I am grateful we have so many spectacular locations to consider right here at home.