Doesn’t the name Plimmerton Beach conjure up images of sun-kissed sand? It certainly should. Plimmerton Beach has been a recreation hot spot for over a century.
Plimmerton is a suburb in Porirua. It is known for its beaches. This includes the popular Plimmerton Beach.
The suburb of Plimmerton got its start as a seaside resort in the late 19th century. John Plimmer helped fund the railway line. The town was named after him. Plimmerton’s estimated population in June 2024 was 2140.
Māori people first settled the area. Later, Ngāti Toa people controlled the Porirua coast. In the 1840s Te Rauparaha lived here. His main residence was at Taupō pā. British troops captured Te Rauparaha in 1846.
The area around Plimmerton was once called Taupō. Ngāti Toa leased the land to European farmers. These farmers included William Cooper and Levi Tandy.
The Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company built a railway line in the 1880s. This railway encouraged settlements like Plimmerton. John Plimmer was a director of the company.
In 1885, the first excursion train traveled to Plimmerton. Regular services soon followed. Plimmerton became a holiday destination. Plimmerton House, a hotel, was built in 1886. By 1900, Plimmerton had 30 summer cottages. There were also two private hotels and a general store.
Plimmerton was originally part of Hutt County. In 1973, it became part of Porirua.
The main road through Plimmerton is State Highway 59. It used to be part of SH 1. The name changed in 2021.
Plimmerton was officially named in 2011. It combined Plimmerton and Karehana Bay. Hongoeka is excluded.
Plimmerton Beach is fairly sheltered. It has a gently graded beach. Windsurfers love it here. Some world champions have trained here.
South Beach is at the southern end of Plimmerton Beach. Recreational water quality at Plimmerton Beach is rated “fair”. South Beach’s water quality is rated “poor”. This is due to faecal contamination. It may come from Taupō Swamp.
Another beach is Karehana Bay. Poet Denis Glover mentioned it in his poem “Threnody”. He wrote about a dead albatross found at Karehana Bay.
Plimmerton has a school and a kindergarten. It also has St Theresa’s School.
Plimmerton Domain is north of the shopping area. It has football fields. The Mana Archery Club uses it. The Plimmerton Industrial Estate is also nearby.
The Mainline Steam railway group has restoration facilities here. They are behind Plimmerton Railway Station.
The Taupō Swamp is one of the largest flax swamps in the North Island. Taupō Stream flows through it. It then flows into the sea at South Beach.
So come to Plimmerton Beach. Enjoy the sun and sand. Just remember to check the water quality. And maybe bring your windsurfing board.