🌊 A secret sea cave gem tucked into Christchurch’s Port Hills

Just off Taylors Mistake, Harris Bay Cave is a secret cave that not many people know about or have visited.

• Access: By Kayak or by foot from Taylors Mistake, with a small roadside car park nearby

• Explore: Rocky beach leads to cave entrance—tide timing is key

• Activities: Rock pooling, snorkeling, even spotting little blue penguins in burrows above the shore

• Cost & Facilities: Free to visit; no toilets or formal facilities—pack what you need

Tips:

• Best time to go: Visit after calm seas for clear water and safe access, low tide.

• Bring water shoes: Rocks are sharp and slippery inside the cave

• Watch wildlife: Little blue penguins nest in the area—keep voices low

A reviewer said to visit at mid tide (for the beautiful blue waters), however we would recommend to visit at low tide first to sus it all out first. Please don't do this alone, and let someone know exactly where you are going when attempted this or other similar hikes.

Here are some informative links we have stored:

https://www.newsline.ccc.govt.nz/news/story/dig-into-the-past-of-seaside-cave-mansions

https://heroesofadventure.com/listing/harris-bay-cave-christchurch-8081-canterbury-region-new-zealand/

https://youtu.be/xvi1aGQo2JU?si=9TxhTTGRJfCJWkqs

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FDNFHAdJM/

Note: We havent visited these caves but have had our eyes on them for years. Once we visit, we will update. If you have visited yourself, we would love to hear about your experience!