WELCOME TO WAIKAIA
OUR OWN LITTLE PIECE OF PARADISE
Waikaia, formerly known as Switzers, is a town in the Southland Region of New Zealand's South Island. From 1909 until 1959, it was the terminus of the Waikaia Branch railway.
The town is in the Southland District and is covered by the Waikaia Community Development Area Sub-committee.
Facilities include a museum, to which is attached an iconic "bottle house", constructed from approximately 20,000 wine bottles.
OUR HISTORY
WAIKAIA TODAY
A rural retreat with a welcoming community and an abundance of activities.
Waikaia is a small township that has a General Store, Post Office, Cafe, Hotel, Motels, home stay accommodation, Camping Ground and Switzers Museum & Bottle House.
Fabulous fishing in the Waikaia River is a must for the keen fisherman or a round of Golf at our 9 hole alternate tee golf course.
HOW TO FIND US
Centrally located in the heart of New Zealands South Island’s high country, Waikaia is a relatively short drive from main centres such as:
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Queenstown 159 km - approximately 2 hours.
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Gore 54km - approximately 45 minutes.
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Invercargill 120Km - approximately 1.5 hours.
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Alexandra 146km - approximately 2hrs (via State Highway 8)
Travelers need to allow time to view some magnificent vistas and great New Zealand food stops along the way ...but leave room for a great kiwi pub meal at the Waikaia Hotel or a light meal or great coffee at the Waikaia Cafe .
PETROL/FUEL - Please note the nearest fuel station to Waikaia is in Riversdale.
CLIMATE
Crisp, clear days in Winter and the hottest of the New Zealand days in summer. Waikaia is just over the hill from Roxburgh so it gets a bit of the Central Otago climate but it retains the green of Southland.
