Waitaki District is located in the southeastern South Island. It covers approximately 7,152 square kilometres and has a population of about 25,000.

Following the arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century, the area developed through livestock farming and limestone quarrying. From the mid-20th century, major hydroelectric stations, including Benmore and Aviemore, were built in the Waitaki River basin, making the district an important centre for hydroelectric generation in New Zealand.

Ōamaru, the largest town, is the district’s political, economic and cultural centre. Other principal towns include Palmerston, Kurow and Omarama.

The economy is based on agriculture, pastoral farming and agricultural processing. Attractions include the Victorian Precinct, the blue penguin colony and Steampunk HQ, while natural wonders such as the Moeraki Boulders and Elephant Rocks are found across the area. In 2023, the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark was recognised by UNESCO as New Zealand’s first Global Geopark.

The current mayor is Mel Tavendale.