Wed, 11th Mar, 2026 (part2) Owaka Tavern free camp, Owaka to Recreation Reserve free camp, Waikawa, NZ (Cathedral Caves & waterfalls)

Back out and continued on the winding road by the mountain edge - like a range road.

Spotted the entrance to Cathedral Caves but there is a gate across the road which said it will open at 1.30pm. Low tide is at 3.30pm. There is a small parking area on the opposite side so we turned around and parked there to have lunch and wait for the gate to open. Washed my hair while we waited too as we have a big grey water tank.

More cars arrived trying to pull into the drive then having to back out onto the road. It is actually a very busy road with lots of logging trucks going by as well as the usual traffic. A few vehicles have pulled in behind us. One has tried to squeeze up the side of us and is half on the road!

Eventually a couple of young people pulled in to open the gate. They had to manoeuvre around a couple of cars that had parked in the drive! Gate open and we all headed in on the narrow gravel road. At least we know there are no vehicles coming towards us.

Paid our money at the little shed and received an information sheet.

The young chap then showed us where he wanted us to park. Obviously a very popular place.

Now for the 1.5km walk down the hill.

Winding back and forth through the tree ferns. Cool but comfortable. Lovely view.

Not sure if the bench slats are supposed to be this way!

More tree ferns then onto the beach.

Turned left for the 100m walk to the caves. The tide is heading out. Across a little stream then along the edge of the cliff edge.

Outside the West Entrance. Definitely impressive. Looking back out.

The narrow section before the inner junction of the two caves.

Found a ‘sea monster’.

The back wall of caves.

View to the East Entrance.

Headed out the East Entrance cave. The narrow section. View out then back in.

It opens up to a very large opening to the beach.

Looking back in.

View around the hill.

The other entrance is around the corner.

Walked out to the water’s edge to try and get both entrances in the photo.

Back along the beach. Now for the hike back up the hill through all the tree ferns etc.

Steve tried out the bench seat - no bad.

The track is like Fleet Street now with bus loads of people arriving. Glad we got in early. You wouldn’t get far trying to run through these vines.

Back to the carpark. Neatly parked motorhomes etc.

We had noticed small boxes by the path so checked with the lady at the payment shed and she said it was to catch possums, ferrets, weasels and stoats that kills the native birds, especially the kiwis.

Headed out the narrow road - this time we have to deal with the oncoming cars!

A message came through from Annalise. Photos of Beau with his Bluey cake for his birthday.

Back to the main road, along a bit then we turned off to McLean Falls. Another gravel road through farms. Hope we don’t break down on one of these tracks as I had asked if there were any roads we can’t travel on and the email I got said ‘no gravel roads unless it was to get to a camp site’!

Good-sized carpark. Headed off across a little creek.

Plant identifiers along the way. Manuka Honey is very popular for the medicinal aspects from Manuka (tea tree).

Info about Alexander McLean who allowed people to enjoy these falls that were on his property.

Lots of trees with Santa’s beards. Nice walk though wet in areas.

Met the couple in a Jucy van who like us had the long wait at StarRV. They are doing ok though their gas bottle ran out after a few days and when they went to get it filled they found out it was out of date so they had to buy a new bottle. They sent off an email and got reimbursed which was good but it is still a pain when these things should be sorted before you collect your vehicle.

Across a little creek with its own little falls.

Across another little creek.

Upstream from the bridge.

Oh no - steps.

Down to the base of a nice little falls.

This one I took with my phone. Not much difference to my camera.

Up the track a bit to the sign. Left is The Chute.

McLean Falls is further on. Continued on the wet track climbing upwards.

We came down these steps which means we have to go back up them - we love steps, NOT.

McLean Falls is claimed as a must-see place and yes they are right. Stunning.

Looking downstream as the water drops down some more falls then back up again.

A chap below me was sending up his drone. I can just see it against the waterfall.

Found the little bird with the lovely song that we have been listening too.

Back out to the main road and continued on through more sheep pastures and lots of big pine plantations. Some areas have just been cleared hence all the trucks we have seen.

Into the Chaslands area. Stopped in a small pull-off area to check out Koropuku Falls. Sign says it is 11m high and is a Bush Experience walk.

The sign is correct and it is very muddy too from the rain. Over the stepping stones in the little creek.

Narrow track. Someone has laid chopped tree fern trunks where it is extra muddy and they have been used as ‘bridges’ and ‘stepping’ stones.

A little waterfall in the pretty stream. The track is a tad muddy. Met two Americans come back in their thongs. Bit slippery they said but it was worth the walk.

Waterfall steps!

Across the main stream.

The falls came into view but then we had to climb up through boulders to get to it. Very pretty - worth the muddy walk.

Slowly worked our way back out to the camper. Didn’t meet anyone else.

Continued on winding our way through natural forest hills then down hill. A thin cloud cover is over the sky but it is still bright.

Back into grazing country and more pine plantations.

Reached an intersection - right to Invercargill on the main road but we went left to find Niagara Falls on the Waikawa River. We stopped at a clear paddock that had a sign but it was for the use of the paddock. We went across to find the falls but only found a small spot to see the water.

Walked across the bridge. We didn’t see a track to that platform.

Through some grass on the other side to a sign. Found Niagara Falls, haha.

Continued on to Waikawa to camp for the night in the free camping area in the Recreation Reserve.

The Waikawa River flows into the top of Waikawa Harbour.

I had taken some photos on my phone for a change to post on Facebook so got that sorted. I mainly use my camera so I keep forgetting to take the phone with us.

Drinks and nibbles inside as more travellers arrived to park up for the night.

I went for a wander. Nice big free camp area.

Down to the boat ramp area - tide is out!

Walked across the road to the Museum which was closed but there was still a lot of things to check out.

Lots of petrified wood in the garden too.

Across the road is St Mary’s Church.

Another great information board.

Back to the camper as the sun descended. Kaylene messaged to check if Terry was ok as there had been big flooding in Bundaberg. I messaged David and he is all good.

Our route for today.

Warmer night, 16 degrees outside at 9.30pm - no heater needed but we keep the camper windows closed but have the roof hatch open a bit.