Overview

This hollow, 11 metre high mass of volcanic stone is a familiar landmark and playground in the seaside suburb of Sumner. The signal station on the summit of the rock once supplied information to vessels crossing the Heathcote Bar. Local Maori legend has it that Cave Rock is what remains of a great whale, beached there by sorcery by a local chief in an act of revenge. The rock is climbable, with care, and it is also possible to explore the large cave inside during low tide.