For many weeks now TRM have posted weekly updates on the progress of the new swingbridge across the Tongariro River. As many have complimented me for the photos it is time we revealed who the TRM photographer is. He has been a bit like a Turangi version of the Stig. For the photo above, posted yesterday, he generated over 20,000 views (six times the population of Turangi) and over 100 likes. So we owe him. I’m sure DOC will want him to attend the official opening soon.
John has finally been revealed as TRM’s roving photographer. You might notice his official photographer TRM uniform – mainly a TRM hat. Judging by the huge response to his weekly photo updates, he has developed a cult following. On TRM’s social media, he may now be in danger of becoming an “influencer” aka “digital darling”. Hopefully I could become redundant.
If you want to catch more Tongariro trophy trout to be as popular as John, this is the best confidential advice we can offer. Always wear a TRM hat!
We should have known this would happen – now curious TRM inmates always want more info. Typically, inquisitive anglers always like to know all the details about any local heroes who land more trout than them.
John & Marina moved from Auckland’s North Shore over six years ago and are now enthusiastic Turangians, or should that be “Tongariroians”?
They have provided wonderful support and even managed TRM for us when we go AWOL. Marina has saved us from utter shambles so many times with professional computer advice that we will never be able to repay her. But that is another story; today’s blog is all about her other half – the bridge photographer.
With world-class trout fishing available outside their door all year round – see photo below of the Major Jones Pool with the original swingbridge in the background – that may have played an important role in their decision to relocate to achieve the best lifestyle possible in NZ – at the Trout Fishing Capital of the World. Like many others, they provide convincing evidence that the hectic, crowded, stressful Auckland and North Shore lifestyle is not even remotely comparable. If you don’t believe me, ask John.
TRM owes them as they have been such wonderful friends to us, as indicated in the photo below. When they realised the frail old laundry assistant at TRM was slipping behind with the maintenance programme back in 2020, they called in to help trim the hedge. That would never have happened in Auckland… Some great friendly people live in Turangi.
You often see them walking their friendly miniature Rottweiler guard dog, Ruby, along the river trail most days while John checks the river level to decide whether he needs to squeeze in a quick flick between jobs. What a hard life…
Now, as they live much closer to the new bridge construction site and can almost see it from their house, he has kindly sent weekly progress reports and photos to keep all his cult followers from Auckland up to date.
So, apart from being a wonderful neighbour living in Paradise overlooking one of the best fishing spots on the Tongariro River, the tail of Major Jones Pool, who is John Lunt? Can you spot him in TRM’s brochure?
If you imagine that he looks too familiar, you may recognise him from the photos when he featured on TRM’s Bucket List map of the Tongariro River – Fifty Pools to Fly Fish Before You Die.
SWMBO wonders if that exposure may have triggered his cult following?
You can only collect Tongariro River Pools maps by asking at reception or even better, by booking to stay a few nights. There are maps for guests in every unit.
