In pre-European times Waikakariki was the site of a significant Māori settlement called Te Oranga.

The lake was called Waikakariki (wai means water and kakariki has various meanings including green, a type of green lizard or a green parakeet or parrot).

Sources

• Walk Christchurch : 60 short walks that explore your city; / edited by Mark Pickering, compiled by Kjesten Nilsson, Karen Theobald and Lesley Symington. Published: [Christchurch, N.Z.] Leisure Unit, Christchurch City Council, 1998.