Shag Harbour

Kayak only inlet and seasonal fur seal nursery

InsideAbel Tasman National Park

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.

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

Tips

Plan a high‑tide entry; the inlet is easiest and most photogenic then.
You won’t see it from the Coast Track—visit by kayak or small boat.
Keep at least 20 m from seals on land and give pups extra space.
No fishing or collecting here—it’s inside a marine reserve.
A classic day is water taxi to Onetahuti, paddle via Shag Harbour, finish at Anchorage.