The area around Albany was originally called Okahukura or Kaipatiki. In 1843 it was renamed Lucas Creek, after Daniel Lucas (or Clucas), a flax trader. The flax was taken by boat from the wharf to Auckland.

There is no record of where he came from or when he arrived in New Zealand. During the 1840s he bought land bordering the creek and stretching west towards Riverhead. He did not stay in the area for long however, as he left Auckland in 1846, abandoning his land. It appears he left the country.

Lucas Creek was renamed Albany in 1890.