It is located close to the shore of the New River estuary on State Highway 1, 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) southeast of the city centre and 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) northwest of Woodend.

The Clifton Wastewater Treatment Plant is situated in this area.

Before the 2023 census, the statistical area was called Clifton and had a smaller boundary, covering 2.86 km2 (1.10 sq mi).

The percentage of people born overseas was 9.2, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 57.6% had no religion, 28.4% were Christian, 1.0% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.6% were Hindu, 0.4% were Buddhist and 1.8% had other religions.