[2025 Bruce Bay Attraction] Travel Guide for Bruce Bay (Updated Sep)

Bruce Bay Beach (also known as Mahitahi) is located on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, along the Tasman Sea. It lies between Haast and Fox Glacier. Bruce Bay, or Mahitahi, holds cultural significance for the Maori Makaawhio (Ngai Tahu) tribe, with the Te Tauraka Waka a Maui Marae situated directly opposite the beach. According to legend, this is the site where Maui first landed in New Zealand. We arrived in the late afternoon and experienced the natural beauty surrounding the coastline, with the sea's powerful waves creating a striking and picturesque scene.

#favouriteitinerary New Zealand’s West Coast is a rugged paradise where the Tasman Sea meets dramatic cliffs, black sand shores, and windswept landscapes. Stop at Punakaiki to see the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, where the ocean puts on a spectacular show. Further south, Bruce Bay offers a remote and untouched stretch of coastline, perfect for a peaceful walk along driftwood-strewn sands. Don’t miss Ship Creek, where boardwalks take you through lush rainforest before opening up to breathtaking coastal views. For a truly jaw-dropping lookout, head to Knight’s Point, where sheer cliffs plunge into the wild ocean below—an unforgettable stop on this coastal adventure!

#traveldiaries #newzealand Bruce Bay is about 40 mins drive away from Fox Glacier and it boasts a ling stretch of clean beach and named as one of NZ favourite beaches. This is also the first place where the Maori landed from Hawaii and hence hold some historical significance. Heard that Bruce bay is the nesting ground for the Fiordland crested penguins so maybe if you are lucky, you can spot one here!

Brucebay offers a breathtaking panorama of nature's beauty, nestled in the heart of the wilderness. This scenic overlook provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape, where lush forests meet tranquil waters, creating a serene and picturesque setting.The vantage point is ideal for observing wildlife and capturing remarkable photographs of the natural scenery! Don’t forget to head to Brucebay to take in the beach vibes after a long drive! #beachlife

Wanaka to Fox Glacier Town, about 4-5 hours drive. There will be signs on the way to the attractions, if you are tired of driving, you can choose to stop and take a walk. There will also be a beach, you will know it when you see it, very obvious. Because people pick up white stones at the seaside, write names or wishes on them, and pile up a pile of wishing stones. There is a small sales car next to it. This small mobile store is also famous because there are no shops nearby.

Bruce Bay, also known as White Rock Beach, is a popular New Zealand top ten beach in New Zealand. A pile of white stones filled with all kinds of love formed a beautiful landscape. Many visitors who have visited this place have smashed their favorite white stones, painted them with signature pens, left words, and stayed forever on the West Coast of New Zealand. At the second stop, LAKE PARINGA, there are many RVs parked by the lake. It is also unexpectedly beautiful, the calm lake, reflecting the blue sky and the mountains, like a mirror. It is said that the lake here can see three colors under the sunlight, so it attracts tourists.