Plimmerton has always been about the sea. From its roots as a seaside escape for Wellingtonians in the late 19th century, to the thriving coastal community it is today, the ocean has shaped life here. And at the heart of this story stands the Plimmerton Boating Club, which recently marked an incredible milestone — 100 years on the waves in Plimmerton.
September 17, 2025
Plimmerton has always been about the sea. From its roots as a seaside escape for Wellingtonians in the late 19th century, to the thriving coastal community it is today, the ocean has shaped life here. And at the heart of this story stands the Plimmerton Boating Club, which recently marked an incredible milestone — 100 years on the waves in Plimmerton.
The drawing you see is by long-time club member Eric Heath, whose artwork has beautifully captured Plimmerton’s seaside character. The original hangs proudly in The Jetty, continuing the tradition of celebrating both the club’s history and its community.
It was 1925 when a group of passionate locals gathered in the ladies changing shed at Karehana Bay and decided to form the Plimmerton Boating Club. Their vision was simple: to create a space where the community could come together to enjoy sailing, fishing, and the unique coastal lifestyle that Plimmerton offered. That spark lit a fire that has now burned for a century, with the club growing into one of New Zealand’s most welcoming and active boating communities.
Fast forward to April 2025, and the Plimmerton Boating Club’s centenary was marked in style. Hundreds of locals, past members, and families turned up for a weekend of festivities in Porirua’s favourite coastal suburb. The celebration kicked off on Friday the 4th 100 years to the day since the changing shed meeting with a Karakia and acknowledgement of the clubs history and first Patron Sir Maui Pomare, and some flares being lit from the jetty. Then the next a fishing competition, a formal lunch, and an evening party, and a bonfire on the reef. On Sunday there were sailing races that filled Plimmerton Beach and Karehana Bay with a splash of colour. There was music, laughter, shared stories, and even the revival of the legendary “Sniffers” rowing race, a nod to the club’s early days.
The highlight? A packed clubhouse buzzing with community spirit, where old friends reunited and new memories were made — proof that 100 years on, the Plimmerton Boating Club is still very much the beating heart of the Plimmerton community.
While sailing and fishing remain at the club’s core, the Plimmerton Boating Club has always been about more than just boats. Over the decades, it has been a hub for gatherings, celebrations, and connection. For many in Porirua, it’s where kids learned to sail, where friendships were forged over weekend regattas, and where generations have shared in the rhythm of coastal life along Plimmerton’s shoreline.
Today, The Jetty is proud to be part of this story. Our café and restaurant now sit within the Plimmerton Boating Club, adding a new layer of life to its 100-year history. For us, it’s about more than food and drink — it’s about continuing the club’s legacy as a place where the community can gather. Whether you’re a sailor heading in after a regatta, a family stopping by after a beach walk, or friends gathering to watch the sun dip behind Mana Island, The Jetty keeps the tradition alive: connection, community, and the magic of the sea in Plimmerton.
As the Plimmerton Boating Club sails into its second century, one thing is clear — its story is far from over. The same spirit that drove a handful of locals to dream big in 1925 still thrives today. And at The Jetty, we’re honoured to help carry that spirit forward, welcoming in the next 100 years of memories, sunsets, and salty sea breezes on Plimmerton’s coast.
Here’s to 100 years on the waves in Plimmerton — and many more to come.