Cathedral Caves

Cathedral Caves, located in the Catlins region of Otago, New Zealand, are a series of majestic sea caves that have been formed by wave action over thousands of years.

The caves are located in cliffs at the northern end of pristine Waipati Beach, and have attracted international interest for their length - the two sea-formed passages are over 200 meters long. To access the Cathedral Caves, visitors must first walk along a well-maintained track through the forest, which takes approximately 20-30 minutes. The track is relatively easy, but visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for some uneven terrain. Once at the beach, visitors can then access the caves at low tide, when the caves are open to the public. It is important to check the tide times before visiting, as the caves are only accessible at low tide.

The Cathedral Caves are one of the most impressive sea caves in the South Island of New Zealand. The long, thin caves are a unique and awe-inspiring natural wonder that are well worth the visit. The caves are privately owned, and there is a small fee to enter. Visitors should also be aware that the caves can be quite busy, particularly during peak season, and there may be queues to get into the small car park. For those interested in exploring the area further, there are a number of other attractions nearby, including McLean Falls, which is located approximately 20 minutes away by car. McLean Falls is a beautiful waterfall that is well worth the visit, particularly after heavy rain when the waterfall is at its most impressive.

Overall, Cathedral Caves are a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Catlins region of Otago, New Zealand. The caves are a unique and awe-inspiring natural wonder that are well worth the visit, and the surrounding area offers a number of other attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. For those who want to explore the area further, there are a number of other walks and hikes in the area, including the Cathedral Caves Track, which is a 1.6-mile out-and-back trail that takes approximately 48 minutes to complete.