Magnificent rimu forests surround this sandy picturesque bay with the Southern Alps as a backdrop. Bruce Bay is situated along the mouth of the Mahitahi River inland from a bay sheltered from the south by Heretaniwha Point and to the north Makawhio Point. It is in the heart of Te Wahipounamu South-West New Zealand World Heritage area where the ancient rainforest spreads right to the sea.
Bruce Bay is a very small village (population 6) surrounded by forest and small farming communities in the Mahitahi and Makawhio River valleys. The area has a long history of both Maori and early settlers. The legendary Polynesian explorer Maui was said to have first landed here. Honouring this cultural heritage, the local runanga Te Runanga o Makawhio have recently built the Te Tauraka Waka a Maui marae adjacent to the seas shore.
Bruce Bay Must Sees
Explore the wild beaches of Bruce Bay and check out the myriad of natural driftwood figures. Enjoy observing the many seabirds and the chance of siting a pod of Hectors Dolphins surfing the waves.
Visit the Salmon Farm café on the banks of the Paringa River, feed the salmon and enjoy a sumptuous lunch. Carry on to beautiful Lake Paringa in the heart of West Coast rainforest
Take a short drive to Fox Glacier village and perhaps enjoy the awesome experience of a helicopter flight, a guided glacier walk or do the Lake Matheson walk.
|
BRUCE BAY TO |
HRS |
KMS |
|
Fox Glacier |
0:35 |
46 |
|
Franz Josef |
1:00 |
70 |
|
Haast |
1:00 |
70 |
|
Greymouth |
2:55 |
240 |
|
Hokitika |
2:30 |
200 |
|
Wanaka |
3:00 |
220 |
