New Plymouth (NZL)

October 22, 2019 - October 23, 2019

I wanted to travel from Taupo to National Park Village to visit Tongariro National Park. Unfortunately, there is no direct bus connection from Taupo and the journey is connected with detours. So I thought, why not make a short detour to Mt. Taranaki.

Mt. Taranaki is located in the far west near the coast of the North Island. According to Maori legend, Taranaki was once home to the other volcanoes (Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe) of the North Island. One day, there was a dispute between Tongariro and Taranaki for the favor of the beautiful Ruapehu. Tongariro emerged as the winner of this battle and Taranaki moved westward until it was stopped by the sea. Along its journey, it created a deep trench filled with its tears (the Whanganui River).

Unfortunately, the trip to Mt. Taranaki was in vain for me as the mountain was hidden behind many clouds and therefore not visible :(

After a night in New Plymouth, it was time to continue to National Park Village...