Waikawau is astride meshblocks 1016301 and 1016400, which had 51 people, living in 21 houses, in 2013 over the wider area.
The only way to access the beach is through a walking track and farming tunnel,[5] which was dug through sandstone cliffs by three men in 1911.
[6] The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "water of the shag" for Waikawau.
[7] The area has been a popular spot for freedom camping during whitebait season and summer.
[8] Signs were put in place in 2015, advising visitors it is illegal to camp on private land.