Cathedral Caves

Image: Eli Duke | Creative Commons

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.

Track overview

Walking and tramping

30 min one way Easy: Walking track

Seasonal restrictions

Open between late October and May. Spring tides may delay the opening a few weeks.

Dog access

No dogs

About this track

Description

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.

Getting there

The track starts 2 km down an access road that is signposted on the main road, 7 km south of Tautuku. 

Know before you go

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
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