Far from the Madding Crowd in the Catlins

Of caves, fossils and shipwrecks

Need a break away for a few days, but think you’ve “done” most of the country?
Lynnaire Johnston thought so too until she visited the Catlins.

Need a break away for a few days, but think you’ve “done” most of the country? Lynnaire Johnston thought so too until she visited the Catlins.

It might not be as tall as Auckland’s Sky Tower, and it might not dominate the skyline in the same way but the biggest tourist attraction in the Catlins area still dwarfs those visiting it, just like the Sky Tower.

But unlike SkyCity, the Cathedral Caves are a little selective about who visits and when. Tourists park at the top of the hill, follow a winding path through native bush down to sea level where they are greeted by the largest and most voracious sandflies you’re ever likely to encounter. Keep moving though and they’ll give up, allowing you to enjoy your stroll along the low tide line to the caves.