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