Tongariro National Trout Centre
National Trout Centre
The role of the Tongariro National Trout Centre Society (Inc) is to promote and foster public interest and understanding of the Taupo trout fishery, other freshwater fisheries and freshwater ecology. They achieve this through development of the Tongariro National Trout Centre site, just south of Turangi and wider promotion and education programmes.
along the walk to the centre
In 2001, the Society purchased the Department of Conservation’s obsolete workshop within the Tongariro National Trout Centre and raised over $500,000 to develop it into an visitor centre, complete with an auditorium and display area.
the trout
the angler
The visitor centre is now complete and was officially opened to the public by
the Prime Minister in August of 2003. Called “The River Walk”, the building fits
with the natural beauty of the river and bush surrounds, with landscaping of
natural stone used throughout. A very impressive historical display of the trout
fishery is inside, along with a replica 1930’s fly-tier’s cabin and several
interactive displays explaining the life cycle of trout and the work the
Department of Conservation does to manage the Taupo fishery.
trout
Most folks are aware of the public children's fishing days held at the centre in
which children (aged 6 - 14) are taught to cast a fly-rod and catch a trout,
which is weighed and measured with a certificate issued. Children’s fishing days
are held regularly throughout the year over the winter period from April to
October.
children's fishing pool
feeding the fish
the fish in the children's fishing pool
Tongariro river
Centre Museum
Raising the Trout for the Children's Fishing Pool
getting the eggs for the hatchery
hatching tray
young trout
rearing pond
almost ready to transfer to the children's fishing pool