The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "kiwi waters" for Waikiwi.

It is bounded on the west by the Ohai Industrial Line and on the south by the Waihopai River.

Prestonville, a commercial and industrial area, is located south-west of Waikiwi.

It caused extensive property damage, and some people lost their jobs or became homeless.

Before the 2023 census, Waikiwi was mostly part of the Donovan Park statistical area, which covered 2.93 km2 (1.13 sq mi).

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 39.6% had no religion, 51.2% were Christian, 0.1% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.7% were Hindu, 0.7% were Muslim, 0.2% were Buddhist and 0.7% had other religions.

[8] The school was established in Invercargill Central in 1955 and moved to Waikiwi in 1968.