It lies between the townships of Palmerston and Hampden on State Highway 1 at the northern end of Kātiki Beach, close to the Moeraki Peninsula.
The scenic reserve of Trotter's Gorge is located just inland of Kātiki.
The settlement was called Kartigi until 1927, this former name stressing the local Southern Māori pronunciation.
The houses at the kaiks are very basic and predominantly cribs (holiday homes).
Its visitors can almost be guaranteed to see fur seals on their visit to the viewing huts.