Tongariro National Trout Centre near Turangi has added another string to its bow with development of the North Island's first whio (blue duck) enclosure.
The new $150,000 facility, part of a joint project by Genesis Energy and Department of Conservation to preserve the threatened species, has seen an area that housed two trout raceways transformed to replicate the natural habitat for young whio.
A walkway through the middle of the two predator-proof enclosures, complete with fast flowing streams and rapids, river rocks and tussock, gives visitors an opportunity to see for themselves why the small endangered torrent bird is considered so special by people who work with them.
The facility was officially opened by conservation minister Maggie Barry, who joined school and kindergarten students, Department of Conservation staff, Ngati Tuwharetoa and Genesis Energy chief executive Albert Brantley in releasing six of the the enclosure's first whio residents.
DoC partnerships ranger Dave Conley said the facility would act as a nursery for young whio.
"Whio are protected at eight sites around the country and are are also being successfully bred in captivity.
"Once the ducklings are big enough, they will be transferred to the whio facility at the trout centre where they will learn to find food, swim in whitewater and survive in the wild."
Described by Ms Barry as a "boot camp" for whio, the enclosure provides a safe environment challenge for chicks raised in captivity to become fit and strong enough to survive in the wild.
It may also be used as a retirement home for older birds that have been part of the captive breeding programme and would not survive back in the open.
Mr Conley said the endangered birds would also get a much higher public profile.
"Facilities like this put them in front of people.
"They are a shy bird and being able to see them encourages people to take more of an interest in their protection."
A joint approach was taken to the work with Department of Conservation staff and contractors working alongside inmates from Tongariro Rangipo Prison who were largely responsible for most of the heavy labouring.
The new facility is also expected to provide an additional attraction for visitors to Turangi and the Tongariro National Trout Centre.
- Additional reporting by Laurilee McMichael