Can someone help answer a question we hear far too often from tourist anglers?
Why can’t they buy smoked trout?
Why can they farm and sell salmon on that other remote island down south (they referred us to the recent advertisement below), but not trout?
Imagine a similar restaurant as an extension of the trout centre. If tourists qualify as children at the trout centre they can fish and catch their trout and have it smoked to eat. It has long been a great promotion for the trout centre. But that is confined to kids. They suggest that is stupid when the more important big spending tourists miss out.
They continually ask: Isn’t it time for Turangi to join the 21st century?
Surely, the tourists suggest, in 2025 the ancient restrictions and Victorian regulations are obsolete in such a scenic popular fishy trout-based tourist centre. The stunning location advantages next to the Tongariro River and the DOC spawning trout farm activities are ideal.
I imagine DOC would find some restrictions, but if the local Maori tribal interests applied for a resource planning consent (which will soon be scrapped anyway), it would fly through. They proved this recently with their bike trail in the Kaimanawas and another trail application for another bike trail south of Tree Trunk Gorge. In one of the few remaining sensible regions of NZ, beyond the control of city extremist elements, they somehow achieve more progress and seem more immune to the silliness that restricts any progress in Wellington.
For any enlightened modern tourist centre focusing on trout fishing, it is ludicrous that tourists cannot buy or enjoy a meal of smoked trout. When the region is looking for new innovative ideas and struggling to attract more tourists, it is an unfortunate waste of a good commercial opportunity.
Imagine a restaurant like that on the West Coast located on SH1 in the heart of Turangi – the Trout Fishing Capital of the World!
Advert below (If it sells, SWMBO deserves a share of the commission!):
6156 State Highway 6, Paringa, Westland
$600,000 + Plus GST (if any) 240m² 7,110m²
Accommodation or destination priced to sell
Nestled in the picturesque Paringa Valley, 6156 State Highway 6 awaits its next proprietor, offering a diverse array of opportunities within its enchanting confines. This expansive property offers not just a commercial venture, but a lifestyle investment. The nature of the property lends itself fantastically as an accommodation unit perfect for Air BnB or as a holiday home.
Spanning across 7,110 square meters of land, this property boasts a diverse range of amenities, including a flourishing salmon farm, a charming café brimming with character, a fully equipped commercial kitchen and a delightful gift shop.
South Westland Salmon Farm has minimal impact on the environment and sustainability, it’s one of the key factors to success. The Salmon Farm was originally set-up and ponds constructed in 1986. Once the salmon stocks and ponds were established the cafe was built and opened in 1995. All fish are processed onsite in the custom built packhouse, for both the cafe meals and takeaway portions. The main focus is producing the premium Cold Smoked Salmon.
Whether you aspire to continue the existing operations or embark on new ventures, this property presents a rare opportunity for growth and prosperity. Sold with vacant possession, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination. Contact Harrison Martin for further information. etc…
Enjoy a squiz at TRM’s brief video below, posted about ten years ago, suggesting why tourists come here to Turangi in the first place…