Bruce Bay lies on the banks of the Mahitahi River and is a stop along the road route from Fox Glacier to Haast. The riverbank, Tasman Sea coast and birdlife offer a first impression of the area’s character. If you’re looking for a holiday rental for a West Coast trip, you can consider Bruce Bay as part of your options for its coastal and natural features.

Coastal scenery on the Mahitahi River

Mahitahi / Bruce Bay is a wild beach where the Tasman Sea meets a long sandy shore backed by towering forest. The sea, sand and forest define this stretch of coast; the banks of the Mahitahi River provide another point of reference. Bruce Bay is also known for its sunsets. To get your bearings, you can consider the riverbank and beach as distinct landscape features.

Birdlife and wildlife watching

Bruce Bay is known for its diverse birdlife; rare tawaki, also called Fiordland crested penguins, breed there. At Mahitahi / Bruce Bay beach, you can look for penguin footprints. Take care not to disturb nesting birds. Hector’s dolphins can occasionally be spotted from the main road. These tips point to two different places for wildlife watching: the beach and the main road.

Marae and local activities

Te Tauaka Waka a Maui Marae is located in Bruce Bay. It offers a direct view of the Tasman Sea and also overlooks Heretaniwha, the iwi’s traditional place of farewell for their dead. These cultural connections to the area add another perspective on Bruce Bay alongside its coastal and natural features. Local activities also include fishing, whitebaiting and hunting.

Bruce Bay in your travel plans

Bruce Bay is a stop along the road route from Fox Glacier to Haast; your choice of destination also depends on whether you want to focus on the riverbank, coastal scenery, wildlife and cultural connections. The route and the area’s character address two different travel-planning questions, without suggesting a specific day-by-day itinerary.

More nature destinations in the Westland District

Other natural attractions offer different destination options across the wider Westland District. Fox Glacier Valley has hiking and cycling opportunities with varied views of the glacial valley. Lake Matheson has an easy circular track; on calm, clear days, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman are reflected in its still waters. Lake Gault Track is a historic walking track through old podocarp forest, with panoramic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Ōkārito River Mouth Lagoon is the largest unmodified wetland on the West Coast and is home to a diverse range of birdlife.

Walking tracks in the Westland District also vary considerably in duration and difficulty: Roberts Point Track is a challenging day hike with views of Franz Josef Glacier and the surrounding mountains. By contrast, the Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Walk is a short rainforest walk with views of the glacial valley. Kayak hire and guided tours to observe birdlife and scenery are also available at Ōkārito River Mouth Lagoon; check their availability before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Kokatahi, Otira, Hokitika, Ross, Franz Josef Glacier, Kakapotahi, Whataroa, Haast

Return to the wider travel overview: Westland District.