April 22, 2026, SYDNEY – Today, Bookabach® announced its 2026 Baches of the Year, a collection of standout baches recognised for exceptional guest reviews, trusted hosts, and sought-after amenities. The list features more than 50 properties across New Zealand, and internationally, including family‑friendly homes, large group getaways, luxury retreats, unique architectural escapes, and nature‑forward destinations.

Program Background and Highlights

The annual list recognises properties that exemplify exceptional quality, reliability, and Bookabach’s high standards for stays travellers can trust. In fact, every bach has earned 10/10 guest ratings, reflecting the positive experiences guests can expect every time they book a Bookabach.

The 2026 New Zealand baches span popular leisure destinations, including Queenstown, Bay of Plenty, Wānaka and Blenheim. The broader global collection also features standout properties across the U.S., Mexico, England, Australia and Germany.

Travellers can explore previous years’ standout homes and stay updated on future collections by visiting Bookabach’s Baches of the Year hub.

New Zealand 2026 Baches of the Year

• Queenstown, Otago — “Lakehouse 3” brings floor‑to‑ceiling lake and mountain views, a cosy fireplace, private balcony, and direct lake access for sunrise coffees and sunset wines. Sleeping six in split‑level comfort, it’s a lakefront retreat and adventure basecamp for hiking and water activities near Queenstown.
• Queenstown, Otago — “Sun Peaks Villa” offers two master suites, a media room, hot tub, and outdoor fireplace facing The Remarkables with seamless indoor–outdoor living. Sleeping six across three bedrooms, this chalet-style home offers a relaxed alpine base near Queenstown.
• Blenheim, Marlborough — “The Nineteenth Vineyard Accommodation” centres on an expansive deck with vineyard and golf‑course views, open‑plan living, and a sheltered courtyard with BBQ. This modern bach sleeps four and suits wine country escapes, hiking access, and beach day trips, set in Marlborough.
• Papamoa, Bay of Plenty — “Beachfront Mediterranean Villa” highlights a sea‑view kitchen, alfresco dining with outdoor gas fire, two living rooms, and multi-panel slider doors to a beachfront terrace for sunset entertaining. It sleeps eight, offering a coastal vibe for spa escapes and slow mornings by the water in the Bay of Plenty.
• Wānaka, Otago — “Southern Cross Lodge” showcases Parker Warburton architecture, uninterrupted lake and mountain vistas, terraces with an outdoor fireplace and BBQ, and a cosy movie room. This four-bedroom, three-bathroom retreat sleeps eight, forming a nature‑forward adventure basecamp for Wanaka hiking access and ski days.

International 2026 Baches of the Year

This year’s global honorees also include exceptional homes across Mexico, England, Germany, Canada, France, and Australia, ranging from beachfront villas and lakefront escapes to countryside retreats, architectural standouts, and nature forward stays near coastlines, forests, and iconic outdoor attractions. See the full list of international homes here.

What Bookabach Says About This Year’s Collection

“The Baches of the Year showcase the finest baches on Bookabach. New this year, select properties on the list have earned the ‘Loved by Guests’ badge — a recognition reserved only for the top 10% of homes in a destination based on real guest reviews,” said Haley Purdon, Bookabach Travel Expert Bookabach. “This list should inspire travellers to take their next group getaway and demonstrates how easy it is to find a trusted, high-quality vacation rental every time they plan a trip.”

“This year’s list reflects just how far traveller expectations have evolved and how our partners continue to rise to the occasion,” said Tim Rosolio, Vice President of Bach Partnerships at Bookabach. “From unique design and standout amenities to the small, thoughtful touches that build trust, these baches deliver the kind of exceptional experiences that today’s travellers don’t just appreciate, they expect. We’re proud to celebrate hosts who are setting a new standard for quality and helping shape the future of baches.”

Bookabach’s Bach of the Year Selection Criteria

• Loved by Guests: Homes recognised within the top 10% of properties in a destination based on verified guest reviews
• Premier Host Quality: Properties managed by reliable hosts with a proven record of great hospitality, including a 99% booking acceptance rate and zero host cancellations
• Exceptional Ratings & Reviews: Ratings of 10 and stellar reviews from former guests
• Desirable Locations: Properties in highly searched leisure — often steps from vineyards, lakes, or mountains
• Great for Groups: Spacious layouts with private pools, spas, large kitchens, game rooms, and multiple gathering areas ideal for families and multi‑generational groups

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Bookabach’s Baches of the Year?

Baches of the Year is Bookabach’s annual list highlighting top-rated baches known for exceptional reviews, reliable hosts, and amenities that make them ideal for families, groups, and memorable getaways.

• What’s the difference between Premier Host and Loved by Guests?

Premier Host

Highlights hosts with a strong record of reliability, including:

• Consistently high booking acceptance rates
  • No host‑initiated cancellations
  • 9.2 or above overall guest rating

Loved by Guests

Recognises baches that deliver exceptional guest experiences, based on:

• Ranking in the top 10% of properties within their destination
  • 9.4 or above overall guest rating.
• How are the baches selected?

Baches are chosen based on verified guest ratings, host reliability, standout amenities, suitability for families and groups, and locations in popular leisure destinations.

• What types of amenities do these baches offer?

Popular features include private pools, spas, game rooms, spacious kitchens, outdoor living spaces, direct beach or lake access, and unique architectural elements.

• Where are the 2026 Baches of the Year located?

The 2026 list includes standout homes across New Zealand in destinations such as Queenstown, Bay of Plenty, Wānaka and Blenheim

The 2026 list includes standout homes across New Zealand and internationally.

New Zealand highlights:

• Queenstown
• Bay of Plenty
• Wānaka
• Blenheim

International highlights:

• Mexico
• England
• Germany
• Canada
• France
• Australia

• Are these homes good for family or group travel?

Yes. Many baches offer multibedroom layouts, multiple gathering spaces and amenities ideal for families, multigenerational trips, and group getaways.

• How can travellers book these baches?

All Baches of the Year properties can be viewed and booked directly on Bookabach. See the full list here.