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.

 

  • 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 2010
 

February

March

April

May

1

M

1049

1

M

0938

1

T

1050

1

S

1016

2

T

1138

2

T

1026

2

F

1138

2

S

1105

3

W

1228

3

W

1114

3

S

1228

3

M

1155

4

T

1320

4

T

1203

4

S

*DS  1221

4

T

1248

5

F

1415

5

F

1253

5

M

1320

5

W

1344

6

S

1516

6

S

1348

6

T

1422

6

T

1440

7

S

1622

7

S

1448

7

W

1525

7

F

1534

8

M

1727

8

M

1555

8

T

1622

8

S

1624

9

T

1825

9

T

1700

9

F

1722

9

S

1711

10

W

1916

10

W

1758

10

S

1756

10

M

1754

11

T

2002

11

T

1849

11

S

1836

11

T

1836

12

F

2042

12

F

1933

12

M

1914

12

W

1918

13

S

0903

13

S

2012

13

T

0731

13

T

closed

14

S

0938

14

S

0832

14

W

0807

14

F

closed

15

M

1012

15

M

0906

15

T

0845

15

S

0903

16

T

1045

16

T

0940

16

F

0924

16

S

0950

17

W

1119

17

W

1014

17

S

1007

17

M

1039

18

T

1156

18

T

1050

18

S

1053

18

T

1132

19

F

1235

19

F

1129

19

M

1144

19

W

1228

20

S

1320

20

S

1211

20

T

1240

20

T

1328

21

S

1412

21

S

1258

21

W

1343

21

F

1429

22

M

1512

22

M

1352

22

T

1448

22

S

1531

23

T

1621

23

T

1455

23

F

1553

23

S

1631

24

W

1731

24

W

1604

24

S

1653

24

M

1727

25

T

1835

25

T

1713

25

S

1749

25

T

1821

26

F

1932

26

F

1815

26

M

1842

26

W

1913

27

S

2025

27

S

1911

27

T

1932

27

T

closed

28

S

0850

28

S

2004

28

W

0754

28

F

closed

 

 

 

29

M

2054

29

T

0841

29

S

 0909

 

 

 

30

T

0916

30

F

0928

30

S

 0955

 

 

 

31

W

1003

 

 

 

31

M

 1041

                          

 

                          

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


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.

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.

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.