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The Library Bach - A special place people love!

Photo gallery for The Library Bach - A special place people love!

Exterior
Private kitchen
Dining
Ground floor bedroom
Dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Pakawau Beach, Golden Bay
  • Pakawau Beach
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Golden Bay
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Wharariki Beach
    ‪36 min drive‬
  • Takaka (KTF)
    ‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Ground floor

1 Queen Bed

Loft

1 Queen Bed and 1 Child Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining Area

About this property

The Library Bach - A special place people love!

“Silver Winner Golden Piwa Awards" BEST IN HOSPITALITY!
A few steps away from a safe swimming beach, ‘The Library' refers to the original bach on this property, a small relocated country library. This now serves as a characterful sleepout and sits behind the main bach which is located beside an estuary. The large section is quiet, bush-clad, bird-filled and has superb inlet and mountain views.

The bach is private and open plan - think designer retro-pacific styled tramping hut! Beds are in the loft and on the ground floor with no doors between. The bach's size, character and proximity to stunning beaches help make it a wonderful holiday destination for couples or small families.

There is great mobile phone reception at the bach.

Extra features include nearby migratory godwits and other wonderful bird life, including little blue penguins who are rarely seen but often heard and nest under the library sleep-out or wood pile. Plentiful cockles and pipi are a short stroll away at low tide. There are also a superb selection of natural history, children's and other fiction books, a large record collection, gas hot water and stove top, kayaks, paddle board, an outside bath and a composting indoor toilet.

The bach won an NZIA Resene Local Award for Architecture.

Special conditions:
A minimum of four nights applies for bookings during NZ summer school holidays and a minimum of three nights applies for NZ long weekends. Otherwise a minimum of two nights. Rental is for a maximum of 4 people. Each additional guest per night is $20.00.
Smoking allowed outside only.
If you do not have the time or inclination to clean the bach before you leave, cleaning can be arranged for $80.00.
Cotton sheets and towels are also available at NZ$25.00 per person.

Donation Scheme
For every night The Library Bach is booked, a $5.00 donation is made to the Nelson Community Foodbank Trust Inc. The Nelson Community Food Bank delivers food parcels to families and individuals experiencing hardship in the Nelson area. The Nelson Community Food Bank is a registered charity (No. CC29561) https://www.nelsoncommunityfoodbank.org.nz/ and so far the bach has donated over $3,000.00 to it.

Previously the Library Bach raised over $7,000.00 for The Nelson ARK.

Please check out my social enterprise in Golden Bay's Aorere Valley, 3km from the Heaphy Track. Te Whare o Kea is non-profit and supports the Kea Conservation Trust. It can be found on airbnb and is the place to stay for an early start on the Heaphy or a fabulous off grid get away!

Property manager

Anna
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill
Mountain view

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Property Registration Number -

About the area

Collingwood

Located in Collingwood, this holiday home is on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Golden Bay and Kahurangi National Park, while Collingwood Museum and Golden Bay Museum & Gallery are cultural highlights. Discover the area's water adventures with surfing/body boarding and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and cycling.
Map
Pakawau Beach, Golden Bay

What's nearby

  • Pakawau Beach - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Collingwood Recreation Ground - 19 min drive - 9.8 km
  • Golden Bay - 31 min drive - 15.2 km
  • Wharariki Beach - 36 min drive - 18.8 km
  • Abel Tasman National Park - 60 min drive - 55.3 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Collingwood Tavern - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Old School Cafe - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Mad Cafe - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Farmers Bakehouse - ‬21 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Library Bach - A special place people love! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Library Bach - A special place people love!?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Library Bach - A special place people love!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Library Bach - A special place people love! located?

Situated on the beach, this holiday home is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Pakawau Beach and within 6 miles (10 km) of Kahurangi National Park and Collingwood Recreation Ground. Collingwood Museum and Tukurua Bay are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 322 out of 353 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 31 out of 353 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 353 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 353 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 353 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Diane S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing spot and lovely bach
We had a great time. It was great taking the kayaks out from the back of the property and sitting in the outdoor bath at night. Very good location to explore up around farewell spit.Anna was very friendly, and the bach had everything we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Denise F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Library
We had a great time at this property
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Dreamy
What a beautiful place to spend a weekend, we had a blast and would book to stay again in a heartbeat
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeff F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loving the Library
What a magnificent location - just set back from the inlet and at the edge of the trees with great views of the neighbouring hills. The Library is a very welcoming place with a brilliant host. Some really nice touches like the fresh local honey and to help make the cleaning easier, even a vacuum on the mezzanine. Beds are very comfy and kitchen is well stocked with all you need to make a great meal. Would love to come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chrissie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect tranquility
A beautifully curated property in an enviable position, exactly what we were looking for. Everything you need for a peaceful break is here, including an old school Pye record player 70s vinyl. Special shout out to the Pacifica vibe. A special place in which to sooth your soul.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dinah J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely beach side break
Wonderful stay at beautiful Kiwi Bach. Thanks Anna, a very special place.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Darren R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great bach, great to deal with
Awesome communication from Anna, great to deal with. Family loved the spot, especially the kids on the kayaks in the inlet. Would stay again for sure
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Carol P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Golden Bay retreat
The surrounding bush and tidal waters added to this peaceful environment Bach clean and spacious and fully equipped Ideal place to relax and recharge Location good to explore the near by tourist sites.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicola W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My favourite bach
Once again a beautiful visit, comfortable, sunny, warm and a nurturing base for explorations and rest.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable bach, beautiful area
Everything was great. Would happily stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joshua M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Highly recommend library Bach
Amazing connection with the spirit loved our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tim L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Penguin hideout
Tucked away at the end of a Totara-lined avenue between the Sea and estuary. Very comfortable Bach with lovely outlooks and a fab record collection
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Olga N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love the spot!
Beautiful location, amazing beach just on the doorsteps.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

David W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
All time favourite
This is a place to release your muise, too relax, walk and create. We will probably return, but with a 9wt fly rod to fish for Kingfish the next time. Six out of 5.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matt M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great get away
Excellent place to relax and enjoy the views, will definitely recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Tim B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely beach-side bach
Great location & plenty of things to do in the area. Would stay here again!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cathy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect retreat
Quiet, warm and welcoming. Perfect for reading, relaxing and beach walks.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julia G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Special place
Cute and comfy relaxing had everything you needed....truly special 😊
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenny L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing Winter Break
Repeat customers as we have always enjoyed this place. Being mid winter its great to have a cosy, wood burning fire place. As always communication with Anna the owner was good. Bonus no sand flies in winter.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicky M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Totara Ave is lovely
Great, but the steep ladder to 2nd bed is somewhat challenging for old girls with knee replacements. Great for a couple in ground floor bed.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alexandrine L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful place for a family holiday
Well equipped and clean batch in an amazing location. Many activities nearby (the paddle and kayaks were great to enjoy the bay). Good communication. Will definitely stay there again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tamzyn D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heavenly
A magical experience
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beverly & David T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A slice of paradise
Our 2nd visit to The Library, we love the peaceful setting of the holiday house, it’s most enjoyable. We enjoy biking out to Puponga and discovering Whirinaki Beach.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing Family Holiday
Beautiful property in stunning location. I would highly recommend a stay at the library bach; unique and relaxing, I couldn't fault it. We are family of 5 (kids 7, 5 & 2) and it was perfect. The penguins coming home at night an added little bonus.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Blessing B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Library Bach
A beautiful bach, thoughtfully furnished with everything you could wish for for an enjoyable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

About the host

Hosted by Anna

Host profile image

What makes this property unique

Close to Wharariki, Farewell Spit and other stunning beaches. Looks directly into a beautiful small inlet and is a few steps from a lovely swimming beach.

The Library sleepout has resident kororā (little blue penguins) nesting beneath it. See this link and recognise their call when at the bach! https://www.goldenbaypenguins.org.nz/blue-penguins

In Jan 2020 a guest saw or (or heard) the following at Totara Ave (unless noted):
House Sparrow
Starling
Red Billed Gull
Black Billed Gull
Black Backed Gull
Blackbird
Swamp Harrier
White Faced Heron
Paradise Shelduck
Fantail (and black-phase fantail)
Caspian Tern
Spur Winged Plover
Song Thrush
Goldfinch
Tui
Yellowhammer
Fernbird (heard only)
NZ Falcon
Spotted Shag
Grey Warbler
Welcome Swallow
NZ Wood Pigeon
Variable Oystercatcher
SI Pied Oystercatcher
Pied Shag
Chaffinch
Greenfinch
White Fronted Tern
Sacred Kingfisher
Pukeko
Silvereye
Black Swan
Bellbird
Eastern Bar Tailed Godwit
Australasian Gannet
California Quail
Banded Rail (very elusive exciting find)
Black Shag
Mallard
Grey Duck
Shining Cuckoo (heard only)
Royal Spoonbill
Pipit (Farewell Spit)
Knot (Farewell Spit)
Eastern Great Egret (White Heron/Kotuku)
Pied Stilt
Weka (heard only)

That’s a birder’s dream! Add korora (little blue penguin) when they are nesting.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests