The Maori legend records that before the dawn of time Ranginui (supreme universe) placed Ruapehu, alone and proud, in the centre of the North Island where the great mountain brought calm to the land.
Sensing Ruapehu’s loneliness, Ranginui placed teardrops at his feet – one of these became the source of the mighty Whanganui River – and sent companions: Tongariro / warrior guardian of the teardrops, Taranaki / custodian of the tapu (sacredness), Ngauruhoe / the ultimate servant, and Pihanga / fertile maiden (Tongariro’s bride).
When Pihanga was tempted by Taranaki’s magnificence, she forced Tongariro to banish his opposition to the west where Taranaki settled in the region that bears his name.
Because Mount Taranaki still lives in isolation on the West Coast of the North Island I know this is not she. But is this Ruapehu, Tongariro or Ngauruhoe that I have snapped from western side of the Tongariro National Park?
Answers on a postcard, please or in the comments box below.
This is posted in response to Ailsa’s theme this week – mountains. Where’s my backpack? has a weekly photography theme here.
being mrscarmichael 
I don’t know the answer but fantastic photo x
I should know the answer and could look it up but couldn’t be bothered……………
Amazing mountain and a story to go with it!
It is stunning and rises out of flat land all around. Maori tales are all good reads.
Wonderful New Zealand! It is not Mount Ruapehu (I think…), my guess is Ngauruhoe?! We travelled past these giants and admired them immensely. Great shot of this beauty!
I do think you’re correct particularly because Ruapehu has a chunk blown out of her side. I just wondered if it was out of shot.
What a beautiful scene! I don’t know the answer, but I’m just mesmerized by this 😀
we have mountains. you have Uluru.
A lovely image!
thank you so much.
That is a gorgeous photo. The day we drove past these mountains on our way to Rotorua they were covered by low cloud so we didn’t have this sort of view. Oh well, I will just have to go back!
you will and FYI this was from round the backside (as it were), the route no one takes.
We were on the desert highway. It was a spectacular drive even with the clouds.
It is stunning and so unexpected. Will be doing it very soon, woo hoo.
Lucky you! We are looking forward to seeing lots of photos and stories.
I love the story! There are so so many creation myths that I know nothing about, yet they are all so often beautiful and poignant.
And so many about mountains (unsurprisingly). I’ve read Inca and Native American because of Ailsa’s challenge. But I do love this particular one because it’s all about love and the green eyed monster and, as I drive past I think of them as people.
I remember Ruapehu, and this doesn’t look like it. I’m not familiar with Ngauruhoe and I can’t really remember Tongariro, though I know I saw it. Many years. Great legend!
I’m pretty sure it’s Ngauruhoe but wouldn’t bet my house on it. Yep it’s a good story and the banished Mount is stunning as well.