New Zealand’s awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind.

Ngatoroirangi, a great Tohunga (spiritual leader), decided to to travel  inland to explore the area.  While he and his travel companions had a rest on the eastern side of Lake Taupo, he spotted a very beautiful mountain to the south. Ngatoroirangi decided he wanted to climb that mountain for a better view of the region. When they reached the foot of the mountain, Ngatoroirangi told his companions to stay put and wait for his return. They were asked to fast until he came back because this would give Ngatoroirangi the strength to succeed in this adventure.  Ngatoroirangi promised them a big feast on his return and that he would teach them everything that he was going to learn during his travel. So it happened that he and his slave Aruhoe started their dangerous journey. The higher they climbed, the colder it got, and the cold froze their breath and made their fingers and feet stiff.  Aruhoe stumbled very often but  Ngatoroirangi urged him to move on.

By Karla Pastor Barros