Waihao Forks is a picturesque district on the Waimate-Waihao Downs branch line of railway, seven miles from Waimate, and two from the Waihao Downs station. It is a sheepfarming and agricultural district on both sides of the two branches of the Waihao. These branches reunite at this point, and bold terraces of limestone extend in all directions. The flag station, with its goods shed, and the local hotel constitute the township, and the homes of the settlers are on the surrounding flats, which extend from the terraces. The educational needs of the district are supplied by the public school at Waihao Downs. Waihao Forks railway station stands 236 feet above sea level.

The Waihao Forks Post Office is a small building ten yards from the local hotel. Mails are received and despatched daily. There has been a postal service in the district since the early eighties. The son of Mr. John Lawlor, the proprietor of the hotel, acts as postmaster.

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Waihao, stands on a section of five acres of land, presented by Mr. Allan McLean, of Waikakahi, between Morven and Glenavy. It was built in 1897, in brick, and has accommodation for 150 or 200 worshippers. The building cost about £700. Services are held weekly by the clergy of Waimate parish.