Mount Taranaki Egmont National Park
Taranaki Mountain Story
One version of Maori history recalls how Te Maunga o Taranaki (Mount Taranaki) once lived in the centre of New Zealand's North Island with other mountain gods, Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe. Nearby stood the lovely maid Pihanga with her cloak of deep green bush, and all the mountain gods were in love with her.What had been a long, peaceful existence for the mountain gods was disturbed when Taranaki could no longer keep his feelings in control and dared to make advances to Pihanga. A mighty conflict between Tongariro and Taranaki ensued, which shook the foundations of the earth. The mountains belched forth their anger and darkness clouded the sky.
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When peace finally came to the land, Tongariro, considerably lowered in height, stood close by Pihanga's side. Taranaki, wild with grief and anger, tore himself from his roots with a mighty wrench and left his homeland. Weeping, he plunged recklessly towards the setting sun, gouging out the Wanganui River as he went and, upon reaching the ocean, turned north. While he slumbered overnight, the Pouakai Ranges thrust out a spur and trapped Taranaki in the place he now rests.Today the majestic mountain, known as either Mount Egmont or Mount Taranaki, is surrounded by lush, green countryside, blue sea and skies, and protects the fertile region of Taranaki
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Taranaki also provides unique recreational and educational opportunities for the region's residents and visitors. Dominating our weather and everyday life with its ever changing moods, the mountain provides fantastic climbing (with care and planning), skiing, tramping and photography. The mountain is the source of more than 50 rivers and streams, and is a botanically unique area containing a wide variety of vegetation from sub-tropical semi-coastal forests in the Kaitake Ranges through to sub-alpine herb fields at 1800 metres on the main cone. most bird species can also be found in the forestssurrounding the mountain.