The legend of Mataaho

Have you wondered why there are so many mountains in Auckland? Well there is a story about these mountains.

A long time ago someone named Mataaho lived in the crater of Mt Eden. He had a kind and caring wife who fed him and kept him warm. Everyday Mataaho went out, but one night he didn’t return. His wife was furious and left without knowing.

The next day Mataaho realized that she went. He was so cold and hungry. Then Mahuika the fire goddess lit fire around Mt Eden and kept him warm. The fires were the mountains.

That is why there are so many mountains in Auckland.