📍🇳🇿 Mt. Taranaki | New Zealand's "Little Fuji" (Dormant Volcano)

📍 New Plymouth, North Island | FREE entry Also known as Mt. Egmont, this 2,518m near-perfect volcanic cone is 120,000 years old (last erupted in 1775). Scientists say it’s "sleeping"—not dead! 💤🌋 🌿 Legends & Lore 📜 Māori legend claims Taranaki once lived among Tongariro’s peaks but fled west after a scandalous affair with Pihanga volcano, carving the Whanganui River in his escape. ☁️ Now he "hides his face in clouds of tears." 🥾 Hiking Guide (Mangorei Track) 🚗 Trailhead: Mangorei Track Trailhead (parking + toilets) ⏱ Duration: 3hrs+ to Pouakai Hut (official time: 2.5hrs—add 30min if you’re slow like me!) 6hrs round trip (with breaks) 🌳 Trail Details: All stairs (leg burner! 😅) but shaded by forest Layer up! Hot while climbing → freezing at summit ❄️ Pack snacks/water (low-blood-sugar alert! 🚨) 📸 Photo Spot: 10min left from hut → alpine tarn for mirror-like reflections (if clouds cooperate!) #NZMustDo #VolcanoHike #TaranakiLegends #HikingStruggles #WHVadventures