TARANAKI MOUNTAIN
HOME OF
A MYTHICAL MOUNTAIN
Mount Taranaki reflected in Pouakai Tarns, Pouakai Crossing © Jeremy Beckers BELOW: Goblin Forest on Mt Taranaki © Rob Tucker OPPOSITE: The track to Wilkies Pools with Mt Taranaki in background © Rob Tucker
DAWSON FALLS GOBLIN FOREST AND WILKIES POOLS NORTH EGMONT VISITOR CENTRE
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It is said in Māori legend that Mount Taranaki/Taranaki Maunga once stood in the centre of the North Island alongside the mountains of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. Taranaki fell in love with Mount Pihanga and constantly battled with Tongariro for her heart. After losing a particularly heated battle Taranaki was banished to the west, carving the Whanganui River in his wake.
