Makikihi is a small town in the Waimate District of south Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It is located on State Highway 1 12.2 kilometres south of Saint Andrews, Canterbury, and 15.5 kilometres northeast of Waimate. It is close to the mouth of Makikihi River.^[3]

Makikihi is described as a rural settlement by Statistics New Zealand, and covers 0.33 km² (0.13 sq mi).^[1] It had an estimated population of 90 as of June 2023,^[2] with a population density of 273 people per km². The settlement is part of the larger Makikihi-Willowbridge statistical area.

Makikihi had a population of 84 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 12 people (16.7%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 12 people (16.7%) since the 2006 census. There were 30 households, comprising 45 males and 36 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.25 males per female. The median age was 47.7 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 9 people (10.7%) aged under 15 years, 12 (14.3%) aged 15 to 29, 39 (46.4%) aged 30 to 64, and 21 (25.0%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 85.7% European/Pākehā, 10.7% Māori, 3.6% Pasifika, and 10.7% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 50.0% had no religion, and 32.1% were Christian.

Of those at least 15 years old, 3 (4.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 21 (28.0%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $21,400, compared with $31,800 nationally. 3 people (4.0%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 36 (48.0%) people were employed full-time, 9 (12.0%) were part-time, and 3 (4.0%) were unemployed.^[4]

Makikihi School is a full primary school serving years 1 to 8,^[7] with a roll of 27 students as of February 2024.^[8] The school opened in 1881.^[9]