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.
About
Bruce Bay / Mahitahi
It is where rimu rainforest meets the sea, a great place to take a walk along the beach. This is the absolute untamed, natural wilderness
Located 30 minutes south of Fox Glacier on the banks of the Mahitahi River, Bruce Bay boasts a permanent population of 6 residents. If you include the residents of nearby Lake Paringa, you’re looking at a bustling district of 33 people.
The solitude and rawness of this stunning area are what make it so worth a visit. Sitting bravely between dense rimu forest and the wild sea, Bruce Bay and Lake Paringa offer an impressive example of the West Coast at its very best.
Bruce Bay / Mahitahi is a place of special significance to Makaawhio, the local Maori iwi. The beach was once used as a highway for Maori inhabitants travelling around the area and today is the location of the Te Taauaka Waka a Maui marae. Translating as the landing place of Maui’s waka, Te Taauka Waka a Maui marae is on the site where Maui first landed in New Zealand. Flanked by glacial moraine and stunning forests, it’s not hard to see why the area still holds great importance.
Location
Bruce Bay 7886, New ZealandRelated listings
58 On Cron Motel
We are ideally situated just a short stroll into the main village business hub, surrounded by native bush and majestic mountains, providing privacy for guests in a tranquil, peaceful relaxing setting.
Learn more
Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park
Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park is an ideal base for exploring Glacier Country.
Learn more
Alpine Glacier Motel, Franz Josef
Spacious, ground floor and down stairs studios and family units with spectacular alpine and rainforest views.
Learn more
Matheson Cafe
Open 7 days from 8.30 am, Lake Matheson Cafe is just a few minutes drive from Fox Glacier at the entrance to the Lake Matheson Walkway. With comfortable seating options and deck area, we have unsurpassed views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.
Learn more
Glacier Country Helicopters Ltd.
Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company in Franz Josef offering scenic glacier flights and much more in our incredible backyard.
Learn more
Air Safaris Franz Josef
Our Grand Traverse scenic flight from Franz Josef provides the best way to experience this glacial environment in its entirety.
Learn more
Monsoon Bar
Enjoy a pre-dinner drink on the decks or cosy up in front of the fireplace before settling in for a relaxed dining experience at Monsoon bar & restaurant.
Learn more
Glacier Country Scenic Flights
The best way to experience the New Zealand glaciers is on a scenic helicopter flight with Glacier Country Scenic flights.
Learn more