Bid for more rentals on island
Two more Rangitoto Island baches could be restored and opened to the public on the predator-free volcanic island.
After a successful pilot renting out two restored baches, Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust has applied to restore two more for public rental.
Trust chair Elizabeth Andrew said the restored baches had been booked out nearly every weekend.
“People are saying it is absolutely magical. Once the last ferry leaves you have the island all to yourself, you can walk up to the peak to watch the sunset, or the sunrise. The bird life is simply amazing.
“Just 35 minutes from the city, and it is just you there,” she said.
There were 37 historic baches on the island, with the first one built in 1911 and the last in 1937.
The trust was formed 20 years ago as the baches fell into disrepair.
With volunteers and a range of grants and donations the trust restored three of the baches.
Two — baches 78 and 114 in Islington Bay, have been available for the public to rent since December 2017, and another has been used as a museum at Rangitoto Wharf, which also won a Unesco award for community involvement.
The trust has applied to the Department of Conservation for a five-year concession to restore historic baches 52 and 65, while maintaining three others. The application is open to public submissions until February 12.
The group also wants to use a restored community hall for social events, including wedding functions.
“People kayak over, catch the ferry, or get a water taxi. We even had someone from Australia come over and stay. It is a pretty unique experience.”
Bach 78 sleeps six, bach 114 seven and both cost $132 a night. Tight biosecurity rules also applied, to ensure the island’s pest-free status was maintained.
The baches are basic, with the restoration keeping in tune with their age and “unique bach style” of 1930s living. The only modern concessions are for bedding, cooking, heating and toilet facilities. “We have filled the place with jigsaw puzzles and books to read. Kids love it here too.”
Restoring each bach — with volunteer labour — took about five years, Andrew said.
“We were quoted about $60,000 to $80,000 to restore the previous baches, including labour,” Andrew said. “With volunteer labour it is a lot cheaper, but then we have to pay ferry costs and it is pricey.”
Nga¯i Tai ki Ta¯maki Tribal Trust chair James Brown said they were regularly in contact with the trust and supported their plans.
“They are a great group doing good things for all our communities, the ‘right way’.”