Cathedral Caves Walk
Located in Catlins coastal area in the Otago region
Introduction
Walk through bush and along the beach to explore the impressive Cathedral Caves.Seasonal restrictions
Open between late October and May. Spring tides may delay the opening a few weeks.
Dog access
Image gallery
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Cathedral Caves, Catlins Coast Image: Eli Duke | Creative Commons
![People at Cathedral Caves.]( "People at Cathedral Caves.")
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Cathedral Caves, Catlins Coast Image: Ben | Creative Commons
![Inside Cathedral Caves.]( "Inside Cathedral Caves.")
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Waipati Beach, Cathedral Caves Image: Harald Selke | Creative Commons
![Waipati Beach, Cathedral Caves.]( "Waipati Beach, Cathedral Caves.")
The track passes through the podocarp and kamahi forest of the Waipati Beach Scenic Reserve. On reaching the beach, it’s 10 minutes to the impressive Cathdral Caves. The sea has cut deeply into weaker sections of the cliffs and created caverns as much as 30 m high.
The caves can only be reached for an hour, either side of low tide. When the tide’s right you can walk from one cave to another - but be prepared for wet feet!
The Cathedral Caves Walk is managed by a group of landowners of Kāi Tahu descent. For more information, tide tables and current status see Cathedral Caves.
The track starts 2 km down an access road that is signposted on the main road, 7 km south of Tautuku.
There is a small charge for the use of the car park and access to the track, beach and caves.
Contacts
| Murihiku / Invercargill Office | |
| Phone: | +64 3 211 2400 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | invercargill@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
7th Floor CUE on Don 33 Don Street Invercargill 9810 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 743 Invercargill 9840 |
| Full office details | |