Lake Ferry (Lake Oneke) is a small settlement between the shores of Lake Onoke and Palliser Bay.
Settlement in this area dates back hundreds of years. Archaeological research suggests that there were people living here from the 12th century until about 1600.
Later, Maori settlers came to live mainly around Lake Onoke and the adjoining lakes.

European settlers brought sheep and cattle into the area in 1844, driving their stock along the coastal route from Wellington.
These run holders were the first to establish pastoral farming in New Zealand.

Following a drowning in 1850, a ferry service was established across Lake Onoke. The ferryman needed accommodation and a way to supplement his income, so he opened the Lake Ferry Hotel in 1851.

Today Lake Ferry is a mixture of holiday homes and permanent residents. Nearby attractions include the Putangirua Pinnacles, and the Cape Palliser lighthouse and seal colony. If you're in the area late afternoon, stay to watch the sun go down - Lake Ferry sunsets can be spectacular


22 April 1887
LAKE FERRY HOTEL
C. HIBBERD, having purchased Mr CROOTS interest in the Lake Ferry Hotel, would respectfully intimate to his friends and the sporting public that the hostelry has undergone a thorough renovating, and is now able to supply sportsmen with the Best Accomodation, Wines, Spirits, &c., Boats, Tents, and everything requisite for camping out. LAWIRE & Co.'s coaches run every Thursday from Martinborough direct to the Ferry, and intending sporting parties can be conveyed by said coaches from Featherston on any day by wiring to Lawrie & Co., Martinborough


28 July 1892
LAKE FERRY HOTEL
The Government have consented to issue an Order-in-Council validating the issue of the license to the Lake Ferry Hotel, which lapsed through the licensee failing to pay the fee within the prescribed period. A license has accordingly been issued to Mr R. BARTON


28 Nov 1892
FATAL ACCIDENT
A fatal accident has happened at Lake Ferry. A young girl named Emma DARLING was out riding near the Ferry. Her horse reared ad fell back on her. Dr SMITH was sent for, but the girl was past help and she died last night. Her parents reside in the neighbourhood of Palliser Bay. No inquest will be held.
... this was Emma Clara Darling aged 15. The daughter of Edwin/Edward & Mary Ann DARLING

14 October 1904
SHIP ASHORE IN PALLISER BAY
The Postmaster at Martinborough wires to the Secretary of the Department that it is reported by telephone from Pirinoa that a four-masted ship is ashore in Palliser Bay, near the Lake Ferry. Efforts are being mae to launch a boat by the residents, but owing to the rough sea, so far they are impracticable. The men can be seen on the deck but there are no further particulars


9 June 1910
FATAL ACCIDENT TO BOY
The five-year old son of Mr GOLD, Licensee of the Lake Ferry Hotel, was placed on a horse on Sunday and was thrown violently on to his head. The little fellow never regained consciousness and died last evening
... this was Leslie Percival Gold, son of James Edward GOLD & Adeline DAVIS who married in 1899


20 November 1911
MAN WASHED TO SEA
A serious drowning accident occurred on Lake Ferry yesterday. Four men, George DUNNING, Silas DAVIS, John ROBINSON and Morley SAXTON were crossing the lake at the ferry when the boat capsized. All were precipitated into the water. Saxton swam ashore and succeeded in assisting tow companions to land, but Dunning was washed ou to sea. The body was found this morning on Whanagaimoana beach. Deceased was 30 years old


10 May 1934
THREAT OF FLOOD - LAKE FERRY RISING
Although so far the position is not serious, settlers in the Lower Valley fear that, failing an improvement in the weather, there is some possibility of more or less serious flooding
The outlet of Lake Ferry, which had been blocked for some days, was opened last Friday, but the relief was only temporary, as following heavy seas it was closed again the following day. It will probably be a week before an attempt to clear the outlet will be successful. The heavy southerly of the past few days has banked the lake waters up in the upper reaches where much of the adjacent low-lying land is under water. Actually the waters at Lake Ferry are lower than they were on Saturday, but this relief has been gained at the expense of lands further up the lake.
Mountainous waves have been pounding at the outlet and sweeping into the lake since Saturday and yesterday a blustering southerly storm raged. Rain fell heavily throughout yesterday, but up to then there had not been a great deal of rain. The stop-banks along the Ruamahanga River


17 Sep 1934
LAKE FERRY HOTEL
The Lake Ferry Hotel, Palliser Bay, was entered by a burglar between sunset and 10.30pm last Friday. Entry to the bar was made by breaking a neat hole in the window and turning the catch. The thief took the contents of the till £3 (about $337 in 2011) and liquor mounting to about £7 worth ($786) The police are investigating


8 July 1936
LAKE TRAGEDY - NO SIGN OF BODIES
The boisterous weather experienced at Lake Ferry yesterday held up the search operations for the bodies of Thomas LATHAM and Geoffrey William BICKNELL, who were drowned in Lake Oneke on Saturday afternoon. The beaches in the vicinity were patrolled without result. The seas yesterday morning were going right over the spit. Further efforts to recover the bodies will be made as soon as the weather moderates


31 October 1936
Photo of the STAR BOATING CLUB whaleboat crew rowing to Lake Ferry and back. The rowers were:
F. EGGERS, P. CASELBERG, R. BURGE, P. HUGHES, K. WEBB & K. FRAZER


23 October 1943
OBITUARY
The death occurred recently of Mr John PHILLIPS,formerly licensee of the Lake Ferry hotel, at the age of 64. Born in Ashburton, Mr Phillips came to the North Island 45 years ago and had the Lake Ferry Hotel from 1914 until a few years ago. He took an interest in all sports and was a keen golfer and rifle shot. Of a kindly disposition, he was held in high esteem in the district. He leaves a wife and three daughters, Mrs G. SHEEHY, Wellington, Mrs J. ELLEY, Westport and Miss Nola PHILLIPS, Wellington