 There is a permanent population of around 40 people but with most of the houses in the town being holiday homes (locally known as "cribs") the population rises dramatically during the holiday seasons, particularly around New Year's Day and Easter.The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "tōwai tree flat" for .Papatowai is surrounded by native podocarp forest and there are numerous walks in the area to waterfalls, and sand beaches in addition to bushwalks.