Title: Shag Point Scenic Reserve in Shag Point - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

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# Shag Point Scenic Reserve Tours and Activities

![Shag Point Scenic Reserve](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113000/d9a39799-3c72-40ad-b6a7-d8256aad325a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Shag Point Scenic Reserve](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113000/495f4bf5-7aad-431f-b045-78c9d9f6d3a7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Shag Point Scenic Reserve](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113000/71403dd8-d479-481c-b002-e030a063c017.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Shag Point Scenic Reserve](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113000/908833d8-e0e3-49a2-befd-f78728b57768.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Shag Point Scenic Reserve](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113000/dd49adbd-f227-40a1-b66a-531a129d35a9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Shag Point Scenic Reserve

Activities

[Shag Point travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Shag-Point.dx6353095)

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#### Thousands visit the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island each year for its diverse marine life. This area near Oamaru is an exceptional observation spot.

Visit the Shag Point Scenic Reserve for a prime penguin-viewing area, a chance to see a colony of fur seals and some of the best cliff-top views in the North Otago area. Discover the rich Māori history of the Shag Point area. Watch for alpine flora, common here despite the reserve’s proximity to the coast. A day’s exploration around the point will reveal sacred burial grounds, a lovely river mouth and peaceful picnic grounds.

The Shag Point Scenic Reserve is just a short detour from the coastal highway that runs between Dunedin and Oamaru. Make the side trip for a short and rewarding visit or pack a picnic lunch and visit the Shag Point region for the day. Combine your trip to the reserve with a stop at the nearby Moeraki Lighthouse.

Wake before dawn to watch as penguins leave their nests in search of food or visit at sunset to see them return. The yellow-eyed penguin is an endangered species characterised by the band of yellow feathers that surrounds its eyes. Arrive mid-afternoon to see fur seals basking in the sun. Wander along the beach to photograph the playful creatures, but stay at least 25 metres (80 feet) away. Scaring either animal can cause abandonment from the colony. Seals have also been known to be aggressive. While they are less dangerous than the sea lions also found in the area, they do have the ability to cause harm.

Read about the local Māori history on information boards located within the reserve. Shag’s Point is the site of sacred burial grounds and is of the highest importance for the indigenous people. The reserve was also the location of an archaeological dig that returned the fossil of a 7-metre (23-foot) marine reptile.

Reach Shag’s Point Scenic Reserve in 30 minutes by car from Oamaru. It is located about 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of the city. Parking is available on-site and admission is free.

### Popular places to visit

![Moeraki Lighthouse](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6112998/76b3fc11-edcd-4cff-87c1-d9b27dad51dc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Moeraki Lighthouse

Get close to rare yellow-eyed penguins without disturbing their natural habitat and see the famous Moeraki boulders from this historic lighthouse.

[](https://expedia.ca/Moeraki-Lighthouse-Moeraki.d6112998.Vacation-Attraction)

![Moeraki Boulders](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6112996/335f2b9e-2a64-4881-9c7f-828801704a02.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Moeraki Boulders

These ancient, geological oddities have been capturing the imaginations of scientists and the local people for years.

[](https://expedia.ca/Moeraki-Boulders-Hampden.d6112996.Vacation-Attraction)

![Royal Albatross Centre](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113110/81ee2a54-842f-4a4a-80ca-35f3fc9de5a9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Royal Albatross Centre

Get close to some of New Zealand’s rarest and most spectacular birds at Taiaroa Head.

[](https://expedia.ca/Royal-Albatross-Centre-Harington-Point.d6113110.Vacation-Attraction)

![Penguin Place](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113114/cfc53f35-18ec-41b5-959d-4c0dfc18882b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Penguin Place

Explore the great outdoors at Penguin Place, a lovely green space in Harington Point. Wander the picturesque gardens in this trendy area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Penguin-Place-Dunedin.d6113114.Vacation-Attraction)

![Otakou Marae](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635754889293/01b80487-09c0-4a2f-8114-096e2ee2b37a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Otakou Marae

You can learn about the history of Otakou with a trip to Otakou Marae. While in this walkable area, you can savor the lively bars. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Otakou-Marae-Otakou.d553248635754889293.Vacation-Attraction)

![Orokonui Ecosanctuary](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532608211/4d7d40a7-21ec-4a20-a993-0b61277edcd1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Orokonui Ecosanctuary

You can take time to visit Orokonui Ecosanctuary during your travels to Mount Cargill. Check out the charming cafes or top-notch restaurants in this walkable area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Orokonui-Ecosanctuary-Mount-Cargill.d553248621532608211.Vacation-Attraction)

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## Best Lodging Options Near Shag Point Scenic Reserve

## Check availability on hotels close to Shag Point Scenic Reserve

[Tonight

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[Tomorrow night

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[This weekend

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[Next weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6113000&startDate=10%2F04%2F2026&endDate=12%2F04%2F2026)[Apr 10 - Apr 12](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6113000&startDate=10%2F04%2F2026&endDate=12%2F04%2F2026)

![Coastal Rural Haven with mind blowing Sea Views! 10 minutes South of Moeraki.](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/112000000/111050000/111041200/111041179/10fb30b6_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

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Coastal Rural Haven with mind blowing Sea Views! 10 minutes South of Moeraki.

 Shag Point Otago

[](https://expedia.ca/Shag-Point-Hotels-Coastal-Rural-Haven-With-Mind-Blowing-Sea-Views-10-Minutes-South-Of-Moeraki.h111041179.Hotel-Information)

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“Beachfront Bliss with Stunning Sea Views – Perfect for Families & Friends”

 Moeraki Otago Region

[](https://expedia.ca/Moeraki-Hotels-Beachfront-Bliss-With-Stunning-Sea-Views-Perfect-For-Families-Friends.h122684519.Hotel-Information)

![Moeraki Cottage overlooking the ocean in the Moeraki Village](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/47000000/46090000/46085800/46085770/979f0d9c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

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Moeraki Cottage overlooking the ocean in the Moeraki Village

 Moeraki OTA

[](https://expedia.ca/Moeraki-Hotels-Moeraki-Cottage-Overlooking-The-Ocean-In-The-Moeraki-Village.h46085770.Hotel-Information)

![Moeraki village, family sized house  stunning views, 50m to the beach.](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/113000000/112750000/112745200/112745115/bd850b7e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

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Moeraki village, family sized house stunning views, 50m to the beach.

 Moeraki Otago

[](https://expedia.ca/Moeraki-Hotels-Moeraki-Village.h112745115.Hotel-Information)

![The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/36000000/35580000/35571600/35571550/01872875_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

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The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water

 Waikouaiti Otago

[](https://expedia.ca/Waikouaiti-Hotels-The-Bird-Hide-Rustic-Luxury-By-The-Water.h35571550.Hotel-Information)

![Charming 1960s Kiwi bach in peaceful Karitane, just 5 mins to beach & harbour.](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/112000000/111880000/111879500/111879445/c4263b52_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

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Charming 1960s Kiwi bach in peaceful Karitane, just 5 mins to beach & harbour.

 Karitane Otago

[](https://expedia.ca/Karitane-Hotels-Charming-1960s-Kiwi-Bach-In-Peaceful-Karitane.h111879445.Hotel-Information)

![ABSOLUTE BEACHFRONT LUXURY ACCOMODATION
Entire home with Private Beach Access](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/104000000/103990000/103986600/103986540/623d203a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

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ABSOLUTE BEACHFRONT LUXURY ACCOMODATION Entire home with Private Beach Access

 Karitane Otago

[](https://expedia.ca/Karitane-Hotels-ABSOLUTE-BEACHFRONT-LUXURY-ACCOMODATIONEntire-Home-With-Private-Beach-Access.h103986540.Hotel-Information)

![Stunning coastal views in a movie like setting](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/37980000/37977200/37977130/5d9e2da0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

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Stunning coastal views in a movie like setting

 Karitane Seacliff

[](https://expedia.ca/Seacliff-Hotels-Stunning-Coastal-Views-In-A-Movie-Like-Setting.h37977130.Hotel-Information)

![Herbert Forest Retreat 15 min from Oamaru, H/tub and MTB tracks](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/93000000/92720000/92716100/92716010/0fca6b65_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

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Herbert Forest Retreat 15 min from Oamaru, H/tub and MTB tracks

 Herbert Otago

[](https://expedia.ca/Herbert-Hotels-Herbert-Forest-Retreat-15-Min-From-Oamaru.h92716010.Hotel-Information)

[See all 152 properties in Shag Point Scenic Reserve](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=6113000)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.