New Zealand King Shag

Kawau pāteketeke is a large endemic black-and-white shag confined to the outer Marlborough Sounds. Adults have black upperparts, white underparts, pink feet and a yellow-orange facial patch; pied shag is slimmer, longer-tailed and much more widespread.

It breeds and feeds only in the Marlborough Sounds, nesting on a small number of exposed rock stacks and islands. Birds make deep dives for bottom-dwelling fish and return to tightly packed coastal colonies to raise chicks.

New Zealand king shag is Threatened — Nationally Endangered (NZ Threat Classification). A tiny range, few colonies, vessel disturbance and fishing interactions create high risk. Boat trips in the outer Marlborough Sounds, particularly around D’Urville Island channels, offer the best chance while keeping distance from colonies.