Beaches, lakes & coastline

Bruce Bay

About

Bruce Bay - or Mahitahi - is a small coastal settlement with stunning sea vistas and a wonderfully wild windswept beach, 40km south of Fox Glacier and 80 km from Haast.

More information

It is where rimu rainforest meets the sea, a great place to take a walk along the beach.

The beach was previously the highway for the first Maori inhabitants in New Zealand. The area is significant for its Maori history.

Maui, the great Polynesian explorer, first landed at Mahitahi (Bruce Bay). Hence the local Marae is named Te Tauraka Waka a Maui (the landing place of Maui’s waka).

Bruce Bay is named after the PS Bruce, a paddle steamer that travelled the coast bringing the early goldminers and explorers to these shores.

Directions

Bruce Bay,, West Coast,, New Zealand,, 7886

Get directions

Related Listings

Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier

See & Do

Franz Josef glacier walks

Enjoy moderate to easy walks around the township of Franz Josef and its glacier.

Learn more

Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier

Accommodation

Orange Sheep Campervan Park

Affordable and Central Campervan / Caravan Sites
Our aim is to offer the essentials, at an affordable price, while surrounded by peaceful rainforest.

Learn more

Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier

See & Do

Moraine Walk

Moraines are the debris of rocks and stones left when a glacier retreats. Explore old moraine surfaces on this easy, short walk, south of Fox Glacier township.