Bruce Bay (also known as Mahitahi) is a picturesque curved bay located in the South Westland region. Steeped in local history, Maui (the hero of Polynesian mythology) first landed here, with the area later attracting goldminers and explorers.

The small settlement south of the bay houses 6 permanent residents and a number of holiday homes.

Sheltered by Heretaniwha Point to the south and Makaawhio Point to the north, the sandy beach is surrounded by magnificent rimu forests, with visitors often building sculptures out of the rocks and large quantities of driftwood which wash up onshore.

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Beach

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A small and private bay, Bruce emerges from the forest canyon so you can expect only one thing … a beautiful coastal view of the Tasman Sea. I love the wildlife and birdlife in the area and is the perfect pit stop on your West Coast highway drive.

Bruce Bay (aka Mahitahi) has some pretty stunning sea vistas which will have you loitering around in the area for a very long time. This is a West Coast beach at its finest! Located near Fox Glacier and Haast, this beach is a great day trip and provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the rimu rainforest which meets the sea.