A beachfront bach in Whangamata has been crowned Bookabach's Supreme Bach of the Year, confirming Kiwis really do love to holiday by the beach.

Following a nationwide vote off that received more than 13,000 votes and judging by two Kiwi interior design experts, ‘On the Beach Whangamata' came up trumps as the clear favourite.

The bach ticked all the right boxes for the judges, receiving top marks for its indoor/outdoor flow and use of space, maximisation of the view, value for money and consistently solid traveller feedback. The bach also won its category, being voted as having the ‘best setting' by the public.

'In this bach, you literally feel like you are staying on the beach, it's like you own the beach. The setting is simply awesome, you couldn't ask for much better than this. It's a stunning place, for sure!” says judge Goran Paladin.

Fellow judge LeeAnn Yare says the bach's amazing location and unobstructed views are a ‘real winner'.

'We can see why this was so popular. The owner has done a really good job presenting this bach, which is well designed to make the most of its surrounds.”

Bookabach general manager Peter Miles is thrilled such a deserving property was selected as the Supreme Bach of the Year – one that really epitomises what Kiwis look for in a bach.

'We know that Kiwis highly value setting and location when taking a well-deserved holiday – they want to stay somewhere that truly lets them relax and enjoy this beautiful country, whether that's right by the water, perched high on a cliff-top, surrounded by breathtaking alpine vistas, or nestled in private bush.

'In this case, it's a tried and true Kiwi favourite – right smack bang in the middle of one of New Zealand's most popular beaches. This property also received the highest number of votes from the public, making it the clear winner in our books and a very well deserving winner of the Supreme Award.”

Visit www.bachoftheyear.co.nz to check out all the winning holiday homes.