Waikaia, formerly known as Switzers,[3][4] is a town in the Southland region of New Zealand's South Island.

[5] The town is in the Southland District and is covered by the Waikaia Community Development Area Sub-committee.

[8] The historic Glenaray Station farm is located close to Waikaia.

It is part of the much larger Riversdale-Piano Flat statistical area.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 42.2% had no religion, and 48.9% were Christian.