Pros & cons
PROS
- Sheltered, glass-clear inlet ideal for kayaks
- Seasonal fur seal nursery with playful pups in late summer
CONS
- No on-site facilities
- Tide and conditions dependent with a narrow, rocky entrance
Overview
Tucked between Bark Bay and Awaroa, Shag Harbour is a tiny tidal inlet with a narrow, rocky entrance that opens into calm, shallow, insanely clear water. You won’t spot it from the Coast Track—this one’s a kayak-or-small-boat secret. It sits within the protected Tonga Island Marine Reserve, so the water life is the star and the vibe is blissfully quiet.
Why Go
Paddlers rave about Shag Harbour’s oasis feel: bush‑lined walls, glassy reflections, and frequent wildlife. It’s a highlight of the marine‑reserve stretch for many, especially when the sea is calm and the tide is right.
Wildlife
This inlet doubles as a seasonal fur seal (kekeno) nursery. Expect to see pups exploring the water in late summer, while the breeding season runs mid‑November to mid‑January. Watch quietly and give them plenty of space—no touching, feeding, or crowding.
How to Visit
Access is by kayak or small boat; larger water taxis don’t enter. Time your visit for a making or high tide so you can slip through the entrance and float easily over the shallow interior. A common day plan is to take a water taxi to Onetahuti, paddle south via Shag Harbour and Tonga Island, and finish around Anchorage.
Facilities and Nearby Stops
There are no facilities at Shag Harbour—no toilets, water, or bins. Use Department of Conservation facilities at nearby campsites and huts instead, such as Onetahuti, Bark Bay, Anchorage, or Awaroa. There’s no camping at Shag Harbour itself.
Rules and Safety
Shag Harbour lies inside a marine reserve: no fishing, taking, or disturbing marine life. Keep at least 20 m from seals on land and give vessels a wide berth near haul‑outs. Dogs aren’t permitted in the park or its foreshore scenic reserve. If you’re also hiking this section, remember Awaroa Inlet is a mandatory low‑tide crossing and should be planned carefully.
Best Time to Visit
Aim for calm conditions and mid‑day sun—the water looks clearest then. High tide offers the easiest access and the best angles for photos. Late summer is prime if you’re hoping to see seal pups.
Where it is
-40.8721, 173.0623Tips for Shag Harbour
- 01Plan a high‑tide entry; the inlet is easiest and most photogenic then.
- 02You won’t see it from the Coast Track—visit by kayak or small boat.
- 03Keep at least 20 m from seals on land and give pups extra space.
- 04No fishing or collecting here—it’s inside a marine reserve.
- 05A classic day is water taxi to Onetahuti, paddle via Shag Harbour, finish at Anchorage.
Near Shag Harbour
All places →All trails →
1.1 mi awayOnetahuti BeachBoat-in golden sand with a campsite and Tonga Island viewsRestroom · Campground
1.1 mi awayOnetahuti Bay CampsiteBeachfront DOC campsite with water taxi access and marine reserve next doorCampground · Restroom
1.2 mi awayAwaroa LodgeSecluded, roadless eco‑lodge with beach access and a great restaurantLodging · Restaurant
1.2 mi awayTonga IslandSeal colony and clear-water kayaking off Onetahuti Beach
3.1 mi awayBark Bay to Torrent BayClassic coast walk with a swing bridge and an optional tidal shortcutModerate · 5.2 mi · 3 hr
4.6 mi awayTotaranui to Anapai Bay TrackEasy coastal stroll to a rock-sculpted, golden-sand hideawayEasy · 4.1 mi · 2 hr
4.6 mi awayHeadlands TrackShort ridge loop above Tōtaranui with peekaboo bay viewsModerate · 3 mi · 1.8 hr
5.7 mi awayPitt Head Loop TrackShort coastal loop from Anchorage to historic headland and Te PukateaEasy · 2 mi · 1.2 hr
