Waikaia

Waikaia
Coordinates: 45°43′S 168°51′E / 45.717°S 168.850°E / -45.717; 168.850
CountryNew Zealand
IslandSouth Island
RegionSouthland region
Territorial authorities of New ZealandSouthland District
WardMararoa Waimea Ward
CommunityArdlussa Community
Electorates
Government
  Territorial authoritySouthland District Council
  Regional councilSouthland Regional Council
  Mayor of SouthlandRob Scott
  Southland MPJoseph Mooney
  Te Tai Tonga MPTākuta Ferris
Area
  Total
1.26 km2 (0.49 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2024)
  Total
110
  Density87/km2 (230/sq mi)
Websitewww.waikaia.co.nz

Waikaia, formerly known as Switzers, is a town in the Southland region of New Zealand's South Island. From 1909 until 1959, it was the terminus of the Waikaia Branch railway. The population in the 2013 census was 99, unchanged from the previous census in 2006.

The town is in the Southland District and is covered by the Waikaia Community Development Area Sub-committee. Facilities include a museum, to which is attached an iconic "bottle house", constructed from approximately 20,000 wine bottles.

The historic Glenaray Station farm is located close to Waikaia. Several of the farms buildings are Heritage New Zealand-classified structures.