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.
Opening Hours
The Museum Bach is open on weekends in the summer months from Labour weekend (October) to Easter of the following year (March/April). The opening hours align with the Fullers ferry timetable (approx. 9.45am – 3.45pm). We are dependent upon volunteers to staff the museum so may occasionally be closed due to unforeseen circumstances. The museum is open to all members of the public at no charge and donations are welcome. A small selection of items are available for purchase including bottled water and Walking to the Summit certificates.
We offer the option to open outside of these hours for interested groups. Click here for more information
To contact us about the Museum please email us at: hello@rangitoto.org
