White Fern Georgia Plimmer goes in to bat for Wellington

Georgia Plimmer considers herself a late bloomer when it comes to cricket. She played softball throughout primary and intermediate school. It was only when she arrived at Tawa College that cricket became an option. “In year nine one of my friends wanted to try out for the cricket team but was too scared to go by herself. I had to go along to support her”. The then 13-year-old got into the school team, and by 16 she was selected to play for local team Wellington Blaze. Two years after that she debuted at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games with the White Ferns. 

Georgia has now played in Sri Lanka, Antigua, Dubai, India, South Africa, and Australia. The highlight so far is the 2022 Commonwealth Games in England. “I thought if I was lucky, I’d build my way up slowly through the Wellington system – then all of a sudden I’m representing the country – it’s wild”. 

She currently lives in central Wellington. “It means I can get to training easily at the Basin”. It also means she has been able to explore the city. Here are some of her favourite haunts. 

Shelly Bay Baker 

Leeds Street is a hidden laneway in the city and home to Shelly Bay Baker. It’s a handy stop on the way to Georgia’s training sessions at Cello Basin Reserve. There are seats outside protected from the weather. Inside there is a café and bakery which means you’ll sometimes catch the whiff of fresh bread. “The staff and the atmosphere are so laid back, just the right vibe for me,” says Georgia. 

Oriental Bay Beach 

For convenience, Oriental Bay Beach is a winner. It’s perfect for a relaxing swim post-training. Being adjacent to downtown Wellington makes it unique. There aren’t many cities where a golden-sand beach is a few minutes’ walk from the city centre. 

Mr Go’s 

Another laneway between Ghuznee and Dixon Streets holds a favourite restaurant for Georgia. Mr Go’s pan-Asian menu means there’s enough spice to keep things nice. The chefs have concentrated on Taiwanese and Chinese but you’ll find nods to Korea, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan too. With plenty of seats inside and out, there’s usually room for her and a few teammates. 

Mount Victoria lookout walk 

Walking up to Mount Victoria from Courtenay Place is a healthy hike. The 2km walk is steep but hugely rewarding, with panoramic views of the city. Georgia loves the view because she can see so many landmarks that are important to her. Te Herenga Waka Victoria University, to the west on the Kelburn Hills, is where Georgia is studying accounting part-time. To the south is her home ground, Cello Basin Reserve, where she spends much of her time training. In the centre is the waterfront, another one of her favourite spots. “I love seeing all the different angles of the buildings and glistening water.” 

JJ Murphy’s 

For a drink with friends or teammates Georgia heads to classic Irish pub JJ Murphy’s. The Cuba Street bar with its hearty menu and dark-panelled wood is a comfortable spot. For Georgia, it’s the sport they play on television and the pool table upstairs that are the main draw cards. 

Wellington Botanic Gardens ki Paekākā 

For over 150 years Wellington Botanic Garden has provided a tranquil oasis for city dwellers. The 25 hectares of rolling hills sit a few minutes walk from Lambton Quay. Georgia loves the winding parks, hill climbs, and a massive variety of plants and trees on offer. “This is the place I take out-of-towners to,” she says. “There are so many walks, and if you get tired you can take the cable car back down into the city”. 

Catch Georgia in action throughout New Zealand’s 2024-25 home summer of cricket in Wellington.