Cathedral Caves Walk
Track category
Walking track
Time:
50 min return
Description
Cathedral Caves, Catlins
The Cathedral Caves Walk is managed by a group of landowners of Kāi Tahu descent. The caves are very impressive, as the sea has cut deeply into weaker sections of the cliffs and created caverns as much as 30 metres high. They can only be reached for an hour, either side of low tide. Tide tables are available at the Catlins Information Centre in Owaka, the Caves turnoff on SH92, and in the carpark by the start of the track.
The walk passes through the podocarp and kamahi forest of the Waipati Beach Scenic Reserve. After reaching the beach it's another 10 minutes to the caves. When the tide's right you can walk from one cave to another, though you should be prepared for wet feet!
From May to October access is limited to weekends and school holidays.
Getting there
Access to the carpark is via a private road, signposted from the Southern Scenic Route.