Pihanga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pihanga |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,326 m (4,350 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Pihanga
Location in North Island
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Mount Pihanga is a cool mountain in New Zealand! It's actually an old volcano that stands 1,326 meters (about 4,350 feet) tall. You can find it on the North Island, between the famous Mount Tongariro and the huge Lake Taupō.
Two smaller lakes, Lake Rotoaira and Lake Rotopounamu, are also nearby. Lake Rotopounamu is right on the side of Mount Pihanga. Both the mountain and Lake Rotopounamu are part of the Pihanga Scenic Reserve. This reserve became part of the amazing Tongariro National Park in 1975. Even though Pihanga looks like it has a big crater, it's actually just a deep valley formed by water and wind over many years.
Maori Legends About Pihanga
In traditional Maori stories, Mount Pihanga was a beautiful female mountain. Two other powerful mountains, Taranaki and Tongariro, both wanted to be with her. Back then, Taranaki was also located in the central part of the North Island, near Pihanga and Tongariro.
The two male mountains had a big fight over Pihanga. In the end, Tongariro won the battle! Because he lost, Taranaki was forced to leave the central mountains. As he moved away towards the west coast, he created important features in the land. His journey formed rivers like the Whanganui and Patea Rivers. He also created the Ngaere swamp along his path.
Pihanga: A Sacred Mountain
For the Maori people, Mount Pihanga is very special. The Matapuna people, who are part of the Tuwharetoa tribe, have traditionally been the guardians of Pihanga. They are known as the "Keepers of the Wai" (which means water) and "Maunga Kaitiaki" (which means protectors of the mountain).
Pihanga is an incredibly important source of fresh water for many tribes. Its waters flow into the lands of the Tuwharetoa, Tainui, Whanganui, and even some parts of the East Coast regions. This means the mountain helps provide water for a very wide area.
Because Pihanga is so sacred, some important chiefs from the Matapuna people were honored by being buried on the mountain. This showed their deep connection to the land and their role as guardians.
