taranaki

Taranaki,is found on west coas of the North Island and juts into the Tasman Sea half way between Auckland and Wellington.

Mount Taranaki ( was Mt Egmont) has it's ever-present—a huge, dramatic volcanic cone with a snowy top. The mount is a spiritual and physical force and is the source of over 50 rivers and streams,and the home of many botanically unique plants, along with many stories and legends. On sighting the mountain in 1642, explorer Abel Tasman said it was "the noblest hill I've ever seen".

In the Maori language, Taranaki means 'Gliding Peak', a name that ties to the legend of how the mountain came to its location. As the story goes, Taranaki once lived with the North Island's other great volcanoes (Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe) but was banished for falling in love with Tongariro's wife, a smaller volcano called Pihanga. Taranaki went west towards the setting sun and carved out the Whanganui river as he went.

Main Centres in the Taranaki region:
New Plymouth - the major city of the province and a good base from which to explore the region
Hawera - a good base to explore South Taranaki
Stratford - an excellent spot to stay for those wanting to explore the mountain

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