Discovering Lake Ferry and Lake Ōnoke
Located in the South Wairarapa region on Palliser Bay, Lake Ferry and Lake Ōnoke present a captivating landscape with their expansive fields of dark sand and dramatic south-facing coastal setting. The area is named after the small town of Lake Ferry, which consists of baches and a campground on the east side of Lake Ōnoke. This large tidal lake, fed by Lake Wairarapa and the Ruamāhanga River, lies behind the Lake Ferry beach.
Activities at Lake Ferry and Lake Ōnoke
Fishing is a key attraction at Lake Ferry and Lake Ōnoke, with whitebait fishing particularly popular during the spring months. However, swimming is discouraged due to the hazardous tidal conditions where the lake meets the sea. Warning signs are posted, and the Wairarapa website advises against swimming in the lake.
How to get to Lake Ferry and Lake Ōnoke
To visit Lake Ferry and Lake Ōnoke, drive south from Martinborough for about 30 minutes along Lake Ferry Road.
In addition to exploring the lake, you can visit nearby Whāngaimoana Beach along the coast. Continuing along Cape Palliser Road leads to attractions such as Pūtangirua Pinnacles, Ngaiwi, and Cape Palliser.
