A Lake Tarawera property has been named New Zealand's best and most popular bach at the ninth annual Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards.

"The Boatshed at Tarawera" took out top spot this year while a property at Taupo - "Hot Pool Hideaway Views" - was second on the list.

Both properties have spectacular lake views but the renovated four-bedroom home at Lake Tarawera that sleeps 11, features an outdoor spa and pizza oven and has elevated views of the lake and views to Mt Tarawera was judged the best bach in the country.

'Like most things this year, we approached the annual awards a bit differently," says Bookabach travel expert Simone Scoppa.

"We crunched the numbers on the most booked and best-reviewed properties.

"Lakeside and beachside locations continue to win top honours for Kiwi travellers and this year we have seen a return to a more interior designed modern bach compared to the humble bach that won top honours last year," Simone says.

The Lake Tarawera property on Spencer Rd near Stoney Point Reserve goes for an average of $650 per night and is set among a lush ponga tree canopy.

The Boatshed at Tarawera. Photo/Supplied

Adam and Freya are the owners of The Boat Shed at Tarawera and have had the property since 2017.

The bach has been listed on Bookabach since 2007.

"We are absolutely delighted to hear how many guests love our bach and we think there's a number of reasons why it stands out," they say.

"Firstly, we feel the area of Rotorua definitely sells itself as there are just so many activities for families and guests to partake in.

"From mountain biking, luging, nearby forest walks, tennis courts, hot pools to some of the best trout fishing lakes and streams in the world, there's something for everyone."

They say completely untouched views of the lake and the lush ponga tree canopy make you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere.

"Feedback we always receive from guests is that the house is kitted out with all the modern comforts one could want.

"We feel truly humbled to receive the gold award in Bookabach's Bach of the Year Awards as we honestly didn't expect it.

"We know our guest's reviews are always very positive but we didn't know how the wider community felt," they say.

The Bach of the Year Awards also awarded a silver medal to a home in Taupo.

The Hot Pool Hideaway at Lake Taupo. Photo/Supplied

The three-bedroom Hot Pool Hideaway Views home features an indoor thermal hot pool and outdoor patio area. The master bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite with large doors opening to the garden and lake views.

The bronze medal winner was Karaka Cottage in Mapua in the Tasman region.

Find out more about this year's winners and finalists by visiting www.bookabach.co.nz/awards.