Tag Archive for: Egmont National Park

Lake Mangamahoe and Taranaki (Mt. Egmont)

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Sacred Maori site – the Taranaki volcano on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island

Just like the peak in Tongariro National Park, Mount Taranaki is a sacred area for the Māori, where they bury their deceased chiefs and worship the souls of the dead. In their Māori mythology, Taranaki, also known as Mt. Egmont, did not always stand in its current location on New Zealand’s west coast, but lived in harmony with the other volcanoes in the centre of the North Island. One day, Mount Tongariro went wandering and left his wife Pihangi behind. Taranaki and she fell deeply in love, and when Tongariro learned of this affair upon his return, a terrible battle ensued. Taranaki was defeated and sought refuge in the west. Even today, he still looks sadly towards his beloved, who adores him. If his summit is covered in clouds and raindrops fall, then he weeps with longing.

All images from the ‘Weltbilder’ Edition

Mt Taranaki, Egmont National Park

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Taranaki, Egmont National Park, North Island, New Zealand

Taranaki is a sacred place for the Māori, who used to bury their chiefs there and pray to the souls of their ancestors. In their mythology, Taranaki—also known as Mt Egmont—once lived peacefully with the other volcanoes in the centre of the island. They were all men, except for Pihanga, a mountain clothed in green forests. They all desired her as a wife, and consequently, a fierce battle for her favour broke out. In the end, Tongariro defeated his rivals and forced them to leave. Taranaki wandered west towards the sea. On a magical journey by night, he carved out the Whanganui River. Legends say that when his summit is shrouded in clouds, he is weeping. One of the best panoramas can be found from nearby Lake Mangamahoe with its subtropical vegetation.