Tag Archive for: Taranaki

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

Maori and Their Myths

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Chapter 3: A Story Full of Love and Passion

Snow-covered Ngauruhoe seen from near the Old Waihohonu Hut, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

Volcanoes and their fiery forces have always been regarded with respect and fear by many peoples. They are part of a living universe, whose incomprehensible, superhuman powers were sought to be appeased with offerings, or a tapu, a prohibition, demanded appropriate respect. Thus, for a long time, people travelled in awe along the mountains, without ever casting a glance at the sacred peaks. There, the supernatural rulers – Te Roro, Taka and Taunapiki – reign; a disregard for their tapu brought with it the danger of death or a terrible curse. Read more

Taranaki greets Tongariro

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Mt. Taranaki, seen from Tongariro National Park

After a rainy day in Tongariro National Park, the cloud cover broke just before sunset, offering this view from the Mangatepopo Hut of the brother volcano Taranaki in the west of the North Island. As we were on the high plateau in the centre of the North Island, the view extended to the 100 km distant brother volcanoes of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro. Naturally, none of the over 50 hikers, who were numerous at the Mangatepopo Hut and campsites this Easter weekend, missed this magnificent greeting. The hut is located at the start of the Tongariro Crossing, the spectacular hike through the volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park, and is also the best starting point for ascending the summit of Ngauruhoe.