The Caves
In contrast to limestone caves, which are formed from chemical action as well as physical process of water pounding on rock, the Cathedral Caves were created by waves eroding the harder sandstone. Near-vertical fractures in the sandstone provided weak points for the wave energy to slowly dismantle the sandstone faces. In time the overhanging rocks collapsed, creating caves with cathedral-like formations.
European naming
Known to Maori for centuries, Cathedral Caves received their name from a leading Dunedin physician, ethnologist and collector, Dr T.M. Hocken and his companions raised their voices and reported a 'reverberating' sound.