Cathedral Caves — Attraction in South Island

The rating I’d give is zero stars-BE WARNED as you cannot predictably visit this attraction. The website tells you are only able to access certain hours around low tide. However, even so, it can also close on a dime and the website/administrators give you minimal help to know other than immediately (and I mean immediate!) proximate to your visit if it is actually open.

We planned to go the Dec 22 after I checked the website the night before but fortunately I checked the website again before we left to find it was closed when we were all ready to visit. I tried to contact the email address on the website to see about the open times for the next day but never heard back. We checked the night before and in the morning before leaving again on the 23rd within the “open” window right after 10 am, and it said it was going to be open at the time.

However, by the time we arrived after packing the car and driving about 20 minutes, we found it was closed. Some others were there who had travelled over 45 minutes to have the same disappointing experience.

The manager needs to clearly post the caves may possibly be closed even during the low tide open windows and what reasonable time frame you can at least count on it not closing if it says that it is going to be open. It would also help at least to see the criteria or rationale that determines closures beyond the low tide windows for appropriate planning so that visitors will actually want to come and at least not be as disappointed when they try to come and...

What a stunning place - well worth the visit. Caves were huge, the photos don't do their height justice. The beach is beautiful.

My jandals/flip-flops were a bit dicey on the steeper and wet parts of the track so decent walking shoes advised!

Probably wouldn't recommend for people with strollers or limited mobility, due to the walk between the caves and the car park, the track was steep and slippery in parts. In saying that, our 5yr old happily raced back up with no complaints and could be done if you allow extra time.

Note that access is very time limited due to tides, the caves are inaccessible outside of low tide times. The carpark gates are locked when access is prohibited and staff are on site to collect entry fees and direct you to parking, as well as answer any questions.

Clean (and surprisingly, not very smelly) long drop toilet block in the carpark, and picnic tables at the start of the track. A few benches along the track for people who need a rest on the...

Simply stunning and a pinch of adventure. It starts with a narrow gravel road. A sign at the beginning already shows you the tides and best time to visit. You can only pay by card which comes in handy. The Operator is an awesome and easygoing guy who gives useful instructions. The way down to the beach is simply amazing. It is a rainforest with mainly ferns and the air is just so fresh! Once you get to the beach you turn left and stride along the beach, ideally barefoot. The caves are breathtaking. It is mythical and majestic. If you think how powerful the water must be to shape it this special way it is today- just wow. Getting back up the hill is totally okay. There are some benches to take a break if needed. There are enough parking lots. You can even get up with a Camper van. Also there are toilets which are well maintained. Sweet trip! Take a beach towel with you, so you can settle down for a bit and take in...