Known to locals as the Banana Bach, this classic Kiwi beach bach sits directly across the road from Oruaiti Beach in beautiful Waihau Bay, offering stunning sea views and the ultimate East Coast escape. This relaxed, family-friendly holiday home is all about location, simplicity, and the nostalgic charm of a traditional Kiwi bach.

This original 1960s bach has all living areas upstairs. As you walk up to the entrance, you’re welcomed by a spacious deck — the perfect spot for afternoon BBQs, soaking up the sunshine, and enjoying uninterrupted ocean views. From here, you step into the open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area. The kitchen remains true to its era, simple and original, with all the basic essentials needed for a comfortable beach holiday. There is also a TV in the lounge for relaxed evenings indoors.

The home comfortably sleeps up to six guests across three bedrooms, with 2 double beds and 1 bunk bed (double on the bottom and single on the top). The bathroom includes a shower, toilet, and basin. An external laundry provides a washing machine and dryer.

The large section offers plenty of room for multiple boats and trailers, making it an ideal base for fishing enthusiasts. Waihau Bay is famous for its exceptional fishing, with fantastic inshore fishing year-round and excellent game fishing from December through to August.

Directly across the road, Oruaiti Beach is a safe swimming beach for families and the perfect place to enjoy all your favourite beach activities. Quiet, remote, and incredibly special, Waihau Bay is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life while experiencing the beauty of New Zealand’s East Coast.

Please note:

The bach is currently being renovated, so it may present differently from the photos shown.
This is a genuine original 1960s bach and is best suited to fishermen and guests who are comfortable with simple, basic accommodation. The home is older and in need of ongoing renovation, and previous guest reviews reflect this.
Waihau Bay has Vodafone mobile coverage only — there is no Spark cellphone service available.
Waihau Bay is a remote destination, located approximately 1.5 hours from Opotiki, so a car is essential.
Guests will need to cross the road/state highway to access the beach.

Waihau Bay is one of New Zealand’s best fishing destinations, known for its incredible coastline, peaceful atmosphere, and family-friendly beaches. The area has one small local shop/café, dining available at Waihau Bay Lodge, and during fishing tournament season, meals can also be enjoyed at the Waihau Bay Fishing Club.

Opotiki District Council operates a zero-waste policy. Guests are required to remove their rubbish at the conclusion of their stay and drop off at the Resource Recovery Centre, Copenhagen Road, Te Kaha or 38 Wellington Street, Opotiki.

Damage Deposit (Pre-Authorisation Hold)
To ensure coverage for any incidental damages or additional costs during your stay, Bush to Bay Holiday Stays requires a $250 pre-authorisation hold on your credit card, which will be taken two days prior to check-in.
This is not an actual charge. The funds are simply reserved and will be released after check-out, provided the property is left in good condition and no additional charges apply. Release times may vary depending on your bank’s processing time.
If the pre-authorisation cannot be successfully completed prior to check-in, the reservation may be cancelled in accordance with our booking terms and no refund will be issued.