The Cathedral Caves is a large V shaped limestone sea cave located on Waipati Beach, 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) south of Papatowai, on the Catlins Coast in the southeast corner of New Zealand's South Island.

[1] The two main entrances join together within the cliff to form one big cave.

[citation needed] They were named by Thomas Hocken who noted how the caves reverberated noise[3] and their resemblance to European cathedrals.

[4] The cave access road gate is open during summer - October to approx mid April and only accessible when conditions are safe - see Cathedral Caves website for opening times.

A small entry charge for use of the access road is managed by Kāi Tahu descendants.