Tinawhu (East Kaihoka Lake) is one of a pair of remote lakes 10km south of the base of Farewell Spit (Golden Bay) known as the Kaihoka Lakes. They are formed by the landward advance of large sand dunes obstructing the outlets of small valleys and are spring fed. The lakes border a scenic reserve managed by the Department of Conservation and are among the least modified shallow coastal lakes in New Zealand.
