My Bubble: The Trout Fishing Capital Of The World!

Turangi is located on the southern end of Lake Taupo and is the ideal base for excursion into the Tongariro National Park and a short drive away from skiing on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu. After camping a night at the Parklands Motorlodge, we headed out first thing in the morning to the Tongariro National Trout Centre which is about 5km from town. It is built on the banks of the Tongariro River and is internationally famous as the Trout Fishing Capital of the World.

It is an awesome place to take a leisurely river walk along the famous Tongariro River and if there is more time at hand, to continue with jungle trekking into the Tongariro National Park. There are nice exhibits, informational displays and a video presentation at their museum on the history of trout fishery in New Zealand as well as a fascinating aquarium and hatchery next door. Fish feeds are available at NZ$2 per pack to feed the trout at the ponds outside. They have a viewing chamber outside and kid's fishing pond where families can enjoy a picnic.

We took a nice slow walk exploring the river bank trail, watching two guys out for fly fishing along the river. Although lo kong would have loved to try his hand at fly fishing, it was neither the time nor the right temperature for him to get his hands dirty. He just had to contend with watching from afar with envy.

We continued on the trail that led us further and further away from the river bank and into a dense trail. After awhile, we could not hear the river anymore but we could hear the cars from the highway. We knew we were somehow very near the main road but unfortunately we could not find an exit out of the trail that was getting more and more compact. Hearts thumping fast, we we decided to back-track to the river bank.

Thankfully, we made back it to the trout centre in one piece and we were soon on the road to our next attraction, the Waitomo Caves which is 166km away and about 2.5 hours drive.