Short answer: The king shag, or kawau pāteketeke, lives only in the Marlborough Sounds. DOC said on 22 October 2026 that numbers have fallen about 30% since 2021, to roughly 550 birds, and asked boats to stay at least 100 m from colonies and roosts. Explera DMC New Zealand books Sounds boat trips with operators who keep that distance.
This briefing is for travel agents and tour operators planning wildlife and boat days in the Marlborough Sounds.
What did DOC announce?
- Decline. King shag numbers have fallen about 30% since 2021, to about 550 birds. DOC links the drop to several years of poor breeding.
- Status. The species is nationally endangered and is found only in the Marlborough Sounds.
- Distance. Under the Marlborough Environment Plan, boats, including kayaks, should stay at least 100 m from king shag colonies and roosting sites. DOC says disturbance can cause the birds to abandon nests and roosts.
- Colonies. The sites with this buffer include Sentinel Rock, Duffers Reef, White Rocks, North Trio/Kuru Pongi, Rahuinui Island, Hunia, The Haystack/Moturaka, Tawhitinui, Blumine Island/Oruawairua and The Twins.
How do clients tell a king shag apart?
King shags are often confused with pied shags. DOC notes that king shags do not scavenge around boats, keep their distance from people, have pink feet and nest on rock rather than in trees. Guides can point this out from a distance, so clients see the birds without disturbing them.
What should agents plan for?
- Operators. We book wildlife cruises and water taxis with operators who know the colony sites and keep the 100 m distance.
- Kayak groups. The rule includes kayaks, so guided kayak days keep to routes that pass colonies at a distance.
- Expectations. Sightings depend on the route and the season. King shags breed in winter, and we set expectations in the programme rather than promise a sighting.
- Bird flu. DOC asks that sick or dead birds or seals, in groups of three or more, are reported to MPI and not touched. Guides brief clients on this.
How Explera DMC New Zealand can help
We plan wildlife and nature experiences and cruises and water experiences for travel agents and tour operators. See our Marlborough Sounds destination page, our Queen Charlotte Track briefing and our Kaikōura and Akaroa marine wildlife briefing.
FAQ
Where do king shags live? Only in the Marlborough Sounds, at the top of the South Island.
How many king shags are there? About 550, according to DOC on 22 October 2026, after a fall of about 30% since 2021.
How close can boats go to king shag colonies? Boats, including kayaks, should stay at least 100 m from colonies and roosting sites.
How can clients recognise a king shag? It has pink feet, nests on rock and keeps away from boats, unlike the pied shag.
Can Explera guarantee a sighting? No. Sightings depend on the route and season, so we set expectations in the programme.
Sources
- King shag decline highlights need for space, Department of Conservation, 22 October 2026
Talk to the trade desk
Explera DMC New Zealand trade desk — b2b@explera.co.nz, WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090, B2B portal b2b.expleradmc.com.
