It is located between the cities of Hamilton to the north, Rotorua to the east, Taupō to the south and Ruapehu District to the west.

The seat of the South Waikato District Council is at Tokoroa, the biggest town.

South Waikato District consists of the following towns, localities, settlements and communities:

One of South Waikato District's most prominent features is the historical skate-bowl park.

It was built in the 1980s, as one of the first skate parks in the country, and was recently chosen for a major refurbishment project.

This community-led project is set to receive $550,000 from the South Waikato District Council in order to facilitate its upgrade.