With summer in full swing, the magnetic pull of coastal living is hard to ignore. Whether it's the serene sound of waves lapping at the shore, endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, or simply the unmatched tranquility of beachfront living, more Kiwis are embracing the charm of life by the sea. The numbers back that up, with over 65% of New Zealanders already residing within five kilometres of the coast—a testament to the allure of seaside living.

But it’s not only the coastline providing the perfect location for a holiday home escape, many Kiwis are also choosing lake or riverside options too. Bayleys Q3 Waterfront Residential Update revealed an estimated 1,561 waterfront property sales across New Zealand between April 2023 and March 2024 in total, with an average sale price of $1,265,825.

Chris Farhi, Bayleys head of Data & Insights says the market for holiday homes has been a lot slower recently but expects things to start picking up soon.

“Because they’re viewed as a discretionary purchase it has been a lot tougher, as people are more careful about how they are spending. But as the market gets more buoyant, we’re expecting that to flow into those holiday home markets in the same sort of way.”

Farhi says some areas have still managed to buck the trend to perform well, including the luxury market in areas like Omaha, Mt Maunganui and Queenstown Lakes.

If you’re after something a bit more affordable there’s still some deals to be found, but you might just have to head slightly further out from the main centres and most popular holiday hotspots.

“Near Auckland you’d be best to venture to areas like Mangawhai or head closer to Northland. There’s other areas outside of Auckland like Nelson Tasman and Marlborough, but it all depends on how close you want to be to the urban areas.”

“Heading further out isn’t necessarily a bad thing though, and infrastructure improvements like the road between Auckland and Warkworth have made those options a lot more viable.”

So with interest rates going down and summer temperatures going up, the allure of a waterfront bach living looks set to keep growing - and from the rugged beauty of Raglan to the golden sands of Papamoa, there’s no shortage of them to suit every taste.

Here’s a curated selection of properties currently making waves:

80 OPITO BAY ROAD, OPITO BAY

Nestled in a sheltered, crescent-shaped bay, Opito Bay boasts powdery white sand, clear turquoise water, and captivating rock and reef formations at its edges. It’s an idyllic setting for those who love diving, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun on the shore.

This charming two-bedroom home sits on a generous 832sqm (more or less) north-east-facing section, just steps from the beach. With its warm timber-lined interiors, vaulted ceilings in the living area, and breathtaking sea and island vistas from both the master bedroom and living spaces, it’s a retreat that blends comfort with coastal charm.

80 Opito Bay Road is being marketed for sale by auction 27 February 2025.

115 RIRIA KEREOPA MEMORIAL DRIVE, RAGLAN

This beautiful three-bedroom coastal retreat is spacious and contemporary, light, and bright with large windows and doors to showcase the incredible views. Open plan living areas are ideal for entertaining, and the kitchen is equipped with a large island bench, Prime Stone benchtops and scullery. With a great location, position, and design this is no ordinary beach house.

115 Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive is being marketed for sale by negotiation.

350 MOETAPU BAY, MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS

Nestled on a sprawling 4,791sqm (more or less) waterfront estate, this exceptional property is a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The tranquil waterfront setting perfectly complements the modern luxury and comfort of the beautifully appointed main house and two cozy sleepouts, offering a seamless fusion of contemporary living and natural beauty.

350 Moetapu Bay is being marketed for sale by negotiation.

151A OCEANBEACH ROAD, MOUNT MAUNGANUI

Be welcomed by native plantings and uninterrupted vistas of water, beach, and breaking waves. This elevated beachfront retreat, spanning 1169sqm (more or less), is a sanctuary for all seasons. The architecturally designed main home and thoughtfully renovated cottage radiate craftsmanship, love, and timeless charm. Natural timbers create breezy, free-flowing spaces, complemented by a gracefully curved roofline and the striking three-level cedar-clad 'tower,' offering breathtaking views from its upper bedrooms. Every element has been purposefully designed with care.

151A Oceanbeach Road is being marketed for sale by negotiation.

10A FOSTER PLACE, CROMWELL

Discover the perfect balance of relaxation and investment with this extraordinary overwater apartment, complete with a private mooring for your boat just below. Ideal for those seeking both a lifestyle getaway and a smart financial opportunity, this property offers unparalleled versatility. Comprising five bedrooms, the apartment can be enjoyed as one spacious residence or split into three self-contained units, each fully furnished and designed for modern comfort.

10A Foster Place is being marketed for sale by negotiation.

Bach living in New Zealand offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and connection with nature, making it an ideal lifestyle or getaway choice. To explore bach ownership and discover the perfect retreat for you, get in touch with a Bayleys agent today. With their expertise and local knowledge, they’ll help you find the ideal spot to create lasting memories.