John's tours
Join your host John on a local interpretation tour of the environment, culture and history of Bruce Bay. John set up the Mahitahi Wildlife Protection community volunteer programme which aims to enhance the surrounding wildlife from Bruce Bay to the Fiordland Crested Penguin colony south at Heretaniwha Point.
Come and fish for the huge Brown trout which run in October. The only reason they are huge is because they are cunning. February, March and April are famous in South Westland for the run of wild salmon. 8kg is a common size fish. Rivers and lakes are easily accessible
West Coast whitebaiting
In Spring, catch your own whitebait (a New Zealand delicacy). Go with your host and catch your own breakfast of this famous West Coast delicacy. Whitebait fritters and home made bread - what could be better?
Makaawhio Beach Walk
Where the rain forest grows literally to the brink of the waves of the Tasman Sea.
Where the sea can change from a mill pond to wild ocean rollers.
The every changing beach of sand, shells and driftwood of all shapes and sizes.
Another walk which culminates in a magnificent view of Mt Cook reflected in the lagoon of Makaawhio. Not withstanding this, the storyline associated with the walk is even better.
Let us help you plan your itinerary and make your arrangements for you free of charge.
Gateway to the Glaciers
Visit Fox and/or Franz Josef Glaciers where you can walk to the glacier, or take a helicopter flight. Guided treks on the ice are also available.
Take a heli flight to Milford Sound – save the time of traveling down there.
South Westland Salmon Farm
& Café — Paringa
Set in beautiful native forest and only approximately 20 minutes drive south on the main highway from Mahitahi Lodge. This licensed café features a variety of home-cooked food to suit most tastes and budgets. Feed the salmon, purchase salmon products, novelties and souvenirs.
West Coast bed and breakfast
Bruce Bay walk
Enjoy a 3 hour walk in Bruce Bay. Firstly, cross the Mahitahi River. Observe the variety of sea birds and perhaps a chance sighting of the Hectors Dolphins.
During the right season, you may be lucky to see penguins.
Walk the sandy beach which was once the pathway of the original inhabitants some 700 years past.
Pan the gold-bearing black sands, a reason for the gold rush in 1864 and the surveying of Weldtown.
Walk the old tram track and discover the resting relics of logging days since past.
Try a spot of fishing, take photographs or just enjoy the ambience and views from this secluded spot.
Kayak the Golden Mile
Take our kayaks and paddle the ‘golden mile’, a sedate and beautiful stream running through the rain forest. The yellow flower of the kowhai tree signifies the start of spring and the whitebait run.
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