Turangi aquarium snubs trout

A rainbow trout. Photo / Richard Robinson

A new freshwater aquarium in Turangi has banned the region's famed trout in favour of a range of native fish species.

The $750,000 Turangi National Freshwater Aquarium will open on Friday at the national trout hatchery, 3km south of Turangi.

Native fish and introduced aquatic pests have been released into 10 viewing tanks but visitors should not expect to see trout in the tanks.

The aquarium's purpose was to show visitors the range of fish in rivers and streams in New Zealand, Turangi Taupo fishery manager Glenn MacLean told the Dominion Post.

Trout could still be seen in the outdoor hatchery pond nearby.

About 50,000 visitors are expected to view the complex each year.

- NZPA