Welcome to Cathedral Caves

Catlins, South Otago, South Island, New Zealand

 

Situated just off the Southern Scenic Route, Catlins, New Zealand at the northern end of Waipati beach, south of Tautuku.

From the car park at the end of the 2km access road (an old logging road) there is a pleasant 20 minute walk through natural podocarp and kamahi forest, over a metalled track leading down to a 10 minute walk along Waipati beach.  At the south end of Waipati beach is Chaslands Head, the historic Catlins site of the shipwreck of The Otago.


~ Click here to go to Low Tide Charts ~
 

  • The access gate to Cathedral caves is opened and closed approximately 2 hours before and after low tide depending on daily sea conditions. 

  • Access is not available before 7.30 am or after 8.30pm.

  •  In the event of either unsafe access or tidal conditions the access gate will remain closed in the interest of public safety.

  • A road /track user fee is charged to maintain and upgrade the facilities most of which are on privately owned land administered by the Tautuku Block X Section 3C Trust.

Freak waves can occur even at low tide. 

                                                                                                  

Low Tide Times 2013
 

February

March

April

May

1

F

1252

1

F

1144

1

M

1309

1

W

1256

2

S

1342

2

S

1231

2

T

1409

2

T

1400

3

S

1439

3

S

1323

3

W

1515

3

F

1504

4

M

1542

4

M

1423

4

T

1622

4

S

1606

5

T

1650

5

T

1527

5

F

1727

5

S

1703

6

W

1756

6

W

1636

6

S

1825

6

M

1755

7

T

1858

7

T

1743

7

S

  1818 *

7

T

1844

8

F

1954

8

F

1843

8

M

1906

8

W

1929

9

S

 0822  2046

9

S

1937

9

T

 0728  1958

9

T

0749

10

S

0912

10

S

 0803  2028

10

W

0812

10

F

0830

11

M

0959

11

M

0851

11

T

0854

11

S

0910

12

T

1045

12

T

0936

12

F

0936

12

S

0950

13

W

1130

13

W

1020

13

S

1016

13

M

1029

14

T

1216

14

T

1103

14

S

1057

14

T

1109

15

F

1302

15

F

1145

15

M

1139

15

W

1151

16

S

1351

16

S

1228

16

T

1224

16

T

1236

17

S

1444

17

S

1313

17

W

1313

17

F

1325

18

M

1543

18

M

1402

18

T

1408

18

S

1419

19

T

1645

19

T

1456

19

F

1505

19

S

1515

20

W

1743

20

W

1557

20

S

1602

20

M

1612

21

T

1834

21

T

1657

21

S

1655

21

T

1707

22

F

1919

22

F

1751

22

M

1744

22

W

1800

23

S

 0742  2000

23

S

1839

23

T

1832

23

T

1853

24

S

 0821  2039

24

S

1923

24

W

1919

24

F

 0717  1944

25

M

 0859 

25

M

0746

25

T

 0741  2007

25

S

0808

26

T

0938

26

T

0827

26

F

 0828

26

S

0859

27

W

1018

27

W

0909

27

S

 0917

27

M

0952

28

T

1059

28

T

0952

28

S

1007

28

T

1046

 

 

 

29

F

1037

29

M

1100

29

W

1141

 

 

 

30

S

1124

30

T

1156

30

T

1239

 

 

 

31

S

1214

 

 

 

31

F

1339

 

 

                          

DISCLAIMER

 

The Trust at all times attempts to keep the public informed as to safety issues relating to Waipati Beach/Cathedral Caves however, as local weather and sea conditions can change rapidly the public are warned that they need to be aware of and are personally responsible for their immediate personal safety at all times. 

 

Accordingly the Trust takes no responsibility for any personal injury or  property damaged whilst on the foreshore (beach).

 

The Trust accepts no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information contained in these tables which are intended as a guide only. * Daylight saving

 

 

Cathedral Caves is not open on Christmas Day.

 

The caves can only be accessed at low tide. 


Please ensure you refer to the tide charts.


Links
 

Additional Photographs


Cathedral Caves & Tide Charts for the Year


Catlins, New Zealand
 

www.newzealandnz.co.nz

            Pictured above are the first and second caves which join. 
            This allows you to enter one and exit through the other as
            you choose.  The inside ceiling of the first cave reaches 30
            metres in sections - making it a great place to test out your
            singing voice.  Remember to look up as you enter and see
            the definite cathedral shape. Cathedral Caves, Catlins,
            South Island, New Zealand.



Waipati Beach from inside the cave.  Chaslands Head in the distance. Cathedral Caves, Catlins, South Island, New Zealand.

Low Tide at Cathedral Caves.  Cathedral Caves, Catlins, South Island, New Zealand.
 

The varied colours and rock formations surround you - as you explore these natural wonders.  Cathedral Caves, Catlins, South Island, New Zealand.
 

A torch can enhance your viewing inside the caves.  If you have a torch - bring it with you.   Cathedral Caves, Catlins, South Island, New Zealand.