Tongariro National Trout Centre
The Tongariro National Trout Centre is situated 4 kilometres south of the township of Turangi, on State Highway 1, on the banks of the Tongariro River. 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 wider promotion and education programmes.
The visitor centre is now complete and was officially opened to the public 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.
There are public childrens 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.