The Bach is an intrinsic part of the New Zealand way of life. Traditionally it was a small, self-built, cottage or holiday home, normally at a beach, river, lake or mountain, where the family would spend much of their holiday time. The construction of true baches was mercifully completed before the days of rules, regulations and resource consents. Today baches are much more sophisticated dwellings, more comfortable, but somehow lacking the charm of the old originals. The baches in this gallery are on the Boulder Bank, a natural stone barrier that protects the harbour of Nelson, at the top of the South Island, from the sea.