6-461: 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 . The two main entrances join together within the cliff to form one big cave. One arm of the cave has a 30 metres (98 ft) high ceiling. Often blue penguins will emerge from the gloom at
12-467: A translation of " tōwai tree flat" for Papatōwai . Papatowai is surrounded by native podocarp forest and there are numerous walks in the area to waterfalls, and sand beaches in addition to bushwalks. There is also a walk to an archaeological site where it is possible to see middens left by early Māori inhabitants of the area. In the past, the bones of moa have also been found here. In addition to its outstanding unspoilt nature beauty, Papatowai
18-507: Is payable by card only. This Otago geography article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This caving -related article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This tourism-related article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Papatowai Papatowai is a small settlement in the Catlins ward of the Clutha District of
24-471: Is renowned for the quirky Lost Gypsy Gallery The Papatowai Challenge, a 15.5 km bush and beach run and walk, has been held annually since 1998, usually on the first weekend in March. It attracts 300 – 400 people each year. Papatowai is also known for its big wave surfing . 46°36′S 169°28′E / 46.600°S 169.467°E / -46.600; 169.467 This Otago geography article
30-718: The far end of the cave. And occasionally a sealion might be around. The 199m-long cave is formed in Jurassic sandstone (about 160 million years old) of the Murihiku Terrane , though the cave itself is much younger, ten to hundreds of thousands of years old. They were named by Thomas Hocken who noted how the caves reverberated noise and their resemblance to European cathedrals. The caves are open during summer - October to approx mid April and only accessible when conditions are safe - see Cathedral Caves website for opening times. They are managed by Kāi Tahu descendants. A small entry charge
36-619: The southeastern South Island of New Zealand . The settlement is situated half-way between the cities of Dunedin and Invercargill , on the Pacific coast close to the mouth of the Tahakopa River . There is a permanent population of around 40 people but with most of the houses in the town being holiday homes (locally known as "cribs") the population rises dramatically during the holiday seasons, particularly around New Year's Day and Easter. The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives
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