Waikawa is a small settlement four kilometres north-east of Picton on the next bay around, home to the largest Maori-owned marina in the South Island and the marae of the Te Atiawa iwi. The bay is sheltered, the water is calm, and the marina hosts a couple of hundred yachts owned by Wellington and Christchurch families who keep them there year-round.
A pleasant walking and cycling path runs along the foreshore from Picton over the small hill and down into Waikawa. The historic Waikawa Marae and church are a short walk back from the foreshore. The Sailors Club at the marina is open to non-members for meals.