Summer’s nearly here, and you know what that means: bach season! Ah, the Kiwi bach — a cultural icon as beloved as hokey pokey ice cream and as laid-back as a Sunday arvo snooze on the deck.

Whether your bach is a quirky little gem with mismatched mugs and board games missing half their pieces or a modern retreat with all the bells and whistles, there’s something uniquely Kiwi about escaping to the bach for the holidays. It’s time to get ready for long, lazy days, sandy toes, and all the magic of a classic Kiwi summer.

But before the sunburns and salty swims kick in, let’s explore how to prep your bach for the season ahead — keeping things simple, stylish, and oh-so Kiwi.

The Classic Kiwi Bach: A Slice of Nostalgia

The Kiwi bach (that’s “batch,” not “bark,” for any newbies) is as much a part of summer as pavlova and jandals. These beloved holiday homes popped up in the mid-20th century as no-frills escapes for families looking to trade the city grind for the seaside breeze.

Fun fact: the word bach likely comes from bachelor, as the first ones were tiny huts for men working remote jobs or sneaking away for a quiet weekend. But, in true Kiwi style, practicality took over, and they soon evolved into family sanctuaries stuffed with faded board games, chipped enamel plates, and a bit of driftwood someone insisted was "art."

It’s the make-do magic that gives a bach its charm. Sudden influx of cousins? Chuck a mattress on the floor and call it a bed. Ran out of glasses? Jam jars will do just fine. The bach is a place where nothing quite matches, but everything works—and that’s the beauty of it.

The Evolving Bach

While traditional baches were famously no-frills — think long-drops, and no internet — modern baches are evolving. Many now have sleek designs and eco-friendly touches. But whether old-school or contemporary, the bach remains a place for whānau to reconnect, share stories, and soak up the natural beauty of Aotearoa.

Summer Vibes and Fresh Finds

The Kiwi summer isn’t complete without a towel or two flapping on the clothesline. Invest in quality towels that can handle a mix of salty dips, sandy feet, and endless summer showers. Enter the navy-and-white Pierre Terry range, perfect for post-swim showers or wrapping yourself up after a sunset dip.

Bonus points if you’ve got CaliWoods marine-grade pegs on hand to secure them to the line — because nothing says Kiwi summer like battling a nor’easter with your washing.

Pro Tip: Keep a few pegs in the beach bag — they’re great for clipping together beach blankets or stopping your togs from flying off the washing line in a rogue gust.

And don’t forget the real MVP of the bach: the zigzag seagrass belly basket. Leave it by the door for an easy grab-and-go system for beach towels, sunscreen, and that random pāua shell collection the kids are working on.

Food, Whānau, and Long Lazy Feasts

No Kiwi summer is complete without food bringing everyone together. Whether you’re tossing a salad or piling up plates of fish and chips, it’s all about relaxed, communal meals that taste better because you’re barefoot and the cicadas are singing.

You don’t need a fancy setup—just a bit of thoughtfulness. Our burnished or brass salad servers add a touch of flair without going overboard - they’re the kind of tools that make even a simple lettuce mix feel a bit flash, without breaking the relaxed bach vibe.

And reusable items are the bach essential, not just because they’re good for Papatūānuku, but because they’re so handy. CaliWoods straws are ideal for everything from a cheeky summer G&T to the kids’ fizzy drink splurges—and you won’t be fishing soggy paper straws out of your drink!

That Laid-Back, Bach Life Feeling

The bach is more than just a building — it’s a vibe. It’s late-night card games at the kitchen table, sandy floors you don’t bother sweeping, and the sound of waves lulling you to sleep.

Want to lean into that feeling even more? A handwoven throw is perfect for curling up on the deck after a long day at the beach, or for stargazing sessions where you try to convince the kids that, yes, you can wish on a satellite.

Celebrate New Zealand’s epic surf culture with a copy of Surf Dreams by Derek Morrison on the coffee table for some armchair inspiration—it’s basically summer in book form.

Why We Love the Bach

At its heart, the Kiwi bach is about connecting—to each other, to nature, and to a slower pace of life. It’s where the worries of the world melt away, replaced by sunscreen-scented hugs and the distant hum of the neighbour’s boat engine.

So, as you prep your bach for summer, focus on the things that make it special: practicality, a dash of style, and a whole lot of heart. Here’s to long days, warm nights, and all the bach magic that makes a Kiwi summer unforgettable.

Ready, set, summer!