Waddington is a small village located in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island, near the Waimakariri Gorge.

[3][4] Waddington has a close association with its neighbouring village Sheffield, which is 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) further north-west along State Highway 73.

[6] The two villages are located between Darfield and Springfield on both State Highway 73 and the Midland Line railway.

The towns were settled in the 19th century by farmers attracted to the area because of its suitability for sheep grazing.

[7] Waddington is also home to the St John Youth New Zealand South Island Training Camp.