Awabakal language word meaning "honey of the grasstree" (Káraka or Ká-ra-ka)
The race is restricted to two-year-olds who were sold through the New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sales held at Karaka.
Of Te Uri-o-Hau and Ngāti Whātua descent, Paraire Karaka Paikea was born in Otamatea, in the Kaipara area of Northland.
State Highway 2 follows the course of the Waihuka for part of its route between Te Karaka and Matawai.