Cathedral Caves Walk
Alerts
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
Walk through bush and along the beach to explore the impressive Cathedral Caves.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
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 CathEdral Caves. The sea has cut deeply into weaker sections of the cliffs and created caverns as much as 30 m high.
The caves are only open when conditions are safe. Check the Cathedral Caves website (link below) before your visit and again on the day of your visit as opening times change if conditions change.
The Cathedral Caves Walk is managed by a group of landowners of Kāi Tahu descent. For more information, tide tables and current status see the Cathedral Caves website.
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.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track