The Library Bach
&
Te Whare o Kea
The Library Bach
Beside an estuary and a few steps from a safe swimming beach,
The Library Bach near Pakawau is a great place to explore the beauty of north-west Golden Bay from or to simply chill out in.
The bach helps support the Nelson Community Food Bank deliver food parcels to families and individuals experiencing hardship in the Nelson area.
https://www.nelsoncommunityfoodbank.org.nz/
Te Whare o Kea
Te Whare o Kea, in Golden Bay's Aorere Valley, is a BIG 10sqm, plus out-buildings and is a dedicated social enterprise supporting the Kea Conservation Trust.
3km from the Heaphy Track, Te Whare provides simple, uplifting, warm shelter for trampers, bikers and nature lovers x
https://www.instagram.com/tewhareokea/
Bach & Whare Info
The Library Bach
'The Library' refers to the original bach, a small, relocated country library at 62 Totara Avenue. This now serves as a characterful sleepout and sits behind the main bach. Just over two hours from Nelson and ten minutes from Collingwood, the large section is home to giant tōtara and native birds along with superb inlet and mountain views.
The bach is private, open plan and retro-pacific styled. Beds are in the loft (queen and single) and on the ground floor (queen) with no doors between. The bach's size, character and proximity to stunning beaches make it a wonderful holiday destination; Onetahua (Farewell Spit), Wharariki Beach and the Whanganui Inlet Marine and Wildlife Reserve are close by. There is great mobile phone reception.. and no TV.
Nearby are migratory kuaka (godwits) and other wonderful bird life, including kororā, (little blue penguins) who are rarely seen but often heard nesting beneath the library sleep-out or behind the wood pile.
Plentiful kuikore (cockles) and pipi are a short stroll away at low tide. Other features include 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 Library Bach has won an NZIA Resene Architecture Award and a Bookabach Silver Piwa Award for Best Hospitality.
Every night The Library Bach is booked, a $5.00 donation is made to the Nelson Community Foodbank Trust Inc. The Food Bank delivers food parcels to families and individuals experiencing hardship and is a registered charity (No. CC29561). Over $3,000 has so far been raised. https://www.nelsoncommunityfoodbank.org.nz/.
Previously, The Library Bach raised $7,000 for The Nelson ARK.
He kororā, he tohu oranga
The little penguin is a sign of life
Enjoying huge views of the Aorere Valley and the stunning Douglas mountain range, Te Whare o Kea is nestled up a1km driveway, 2km from the start of the Heaphy Track at 1288 Aorere Valley Road. Allow just over two and a half hours to drive there from Nelson.
Once there, enjoy the vast night sky and spectacular sunrises and sunsets lighting up the Douglas Range.
The Whare is well designed and basic. It sleeps two people comfortably on a queen mattress in the loft. If need be, two (not very tall) others can sleep on the bench squabs (160cm and 180cm long). Facilities in separate buildings include a gas hot shower, composting loo and a well equipped kitchen with a gas cooker and hot water.
The Whare has solar powered lights and USB phone charge inputs. There is phone reception.
Guests must bring their own sleeping bag/sheets/pillowcases and towels, clean up after themselves and remove all their rubbish. Pillows, a duvet and blankets are available. Cleaning and linen can be arranged if absolutely needed, $25 for linen and $80 for cleaning.
Frequented by kea flying overhead, Te Whare is in a great location for exploring the alpine tops of Mt Stevens, the Heaphy and Kaituna Tracks, the iconic Salisbury Bridge and waterfall and tea, coffee and cake at the historic Langford Store in Bainham! It is also a great place to simply relax in.
Te Whare has supported the Top o' the South Lead Heads and their work for the Kea Conservation Trust removing poisonous lead components from back country structures. Guest payments also help fund cameras for the Trust. https://www.keaconservation.co.nz/. To date Te Whare has raised over $17,000 for kea conservation.
Whatungarongaro te tangata toitū te whenua
As people disappear from sight, the land remains
Pricing and Booking
The Library Bach
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$160.00 - $200.00 per night up to 4 guests
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Linen and cleaning available on request
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For availability and bookings email Anna below or see https://www.bookabach.co.nz/holiday-accommodation/p20006755
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$95.00 - $120.00 per night
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BYO linen and DIY cleaning
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For availability and bookings contact Anna below or see https://airbnb.com/h/tewhareokea
Contact
Email: afhickman@xtra.co.nz / Tel: 64 021 0543 033