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Story: Canterbury places

Cave Rock

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Cave Rock

Cave Rock is an unusual volcanic formation on Sumner Beach. For many years it has provided a playground for Christchurch children visiting the beach. Māori call the rock Tuawera, and say that it represents the carcass of a legendary whale washed up on the beach.

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by Jock Phillips

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How to cite this page

John Wilson, Canterbury places – The Port Hills, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/10224/cave-rock (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by John Wilson, published 2 March 2009, updated 17 August 2015.