Mount Taranaki, Mt Taranaki
New Plymouth Mountain Accommodation
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.
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.
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 forests
surrounding the mountain.
New
Northern Track for Mt Taranaki
The new Northern track is now complete
and is must to Tramp
Konini Lodge
If you want budget accommodation in a setting that is raw
and majestic then try Konini lodge
North
Egmont Camphouse
base yourself here and embark on a round the mountain
5 day tramp or simply summit the Volcano
