The Cathedral Caves are a series of sea caves on the Catlins Coast and a very popular tourist attraction in the area. The two main caves join together within the cliff, and one has a 30 metre high ceiling. br/br/The Catlins, in the southeastern corner of the South Island of New Zealand, features a scenic coastal landscape and dense temperate rainforest which harbour natural populations of birds and marine mammals. First inhabited by the Maori people in the period 900-1700 AD, the Catlins is an area with a rich history. The area enjoys a maritime temperate climate, however it's exposed location leads to its frequently wild weather with heavy ocean swells pounding the rugged coastline.