Museum bach at Rangitoto Wharf
Many of the other New Zealand bach communities have virtually disappeared making the Rangitoto bach settlements irreplaceable artefacts of New Zealand’s architectural and social history.
What is a Bach?
Te Ara, The Encylocpedia of New Zealand, defines a bach as traditionally the favourite place for New Zealanders to holiday (known in Otago and Southland as a crib and in South Canterbury as a hut). Often built without a permit, from cheap or salvaged materials, and sited by beaches, rivers, or lakes. They were intended to be very simple, but despite their basic facilities, they have a unique charm for people in the holiday mood.
Bach 38 Museum
Bach 38, a bungalow-style bach, has been restored by a dedicated team of volunteers from the Trust. It was built in 1927 for Walter Pooley, the first caretaker on the island and then-owner of the shop and tearooms. The restoration included re-roofing, re-wiring, new weatherboards, new sections of floor and ceiling and was designed to include all the original cabinetry and much of the bach’s furnishings and décor.
If you are interested in viewing the Museum please contact us by emailing: hello@rangitoto.org
