Taranaki Maunga

Mount Taranaki, was known as Pukeonaki and stood near Tūrangi, with Ruapehu Muanga, Tongariro Maunga and Pihanga Maunga. Pukeonaki (Taranaki) and Tongariro were both in love with Pihanga and they battled over her. But Tongariro was the stronger and Pukeonaki (Taranaki), retreated and went underground, carving out the mighty Whanganui River on his way to the sea. Upon surfacing he saw the beautiful Pouākai range inland and he was drawn toward her. Pouākai and Taranaki’s children became the trees, plants, birds, rocks and rivers flowing from their slopes. A true love story.