Cathedral Caves one of the worlds longest sea caves

Cathedral Caves are only accessible two hours either side of low tide. I struck lucky and arrived an hour into the restricted four-hour window when the tide was agreeable for exploration. A stroll down through native bushland brought me out onto the wide expanse of glorious Waipati Beach.  The caves are situated on the Western edge and as I crossed the golden sand I encountered not only a slumbering New Zealand Sea Lion but an inquisitive and playful seal. Cathedral Cave itself is one of the thirty longest sea caves in the world and it can be walked through from one side to the other although you must be prepared to get wet!  I removed my trainers and rolled up my trousers and began my wade through the icy cold sea water which had formed a deep well in the entranceway. Further into the darkness of the cave it soon became apparent why it had been named as such with its high sides and raised ceiling reminiscent of European Cathedrals. The acoustics were somewhat nifty too as waves soared across the beach and through into the caves creating booming soundwaves. At the very back of the cave I spotted a Little Blue Penguin having a well earnt rest in between the tides.