Nearby settlements include Hook and Studholme, with the town of Waimate approximately eight kilometres west.

Although it is within metres of the Pacific Ocean, the Wainono Lagoon is fresh water and separated from the sea by a gravel berm.

Fresh water, however, seeps from the lagoon into the sea.

[2] The Department of Conservation (DOC) has established the Wainono Lagoon Conservation Area to protect the natural environment of the lagoon.

The Waitangi Tribunal in 1995 directed DOC to develop the lagoon as a traditional fishery resource with Ngāi Tahu.