Story: Waikato tribes

The full name of Mt Pirongia is Pirongia-o-Te Aroaro-ō-Kahu (the scented pathway of Kahu). This name arises from the journey of Kahu from Kāwhia to the south Waikato and north Taupō districts. Kahu named numerous hills, mountains and other landmarks on her journey. Pirongia is also remembered as one of the homes of the legendary patupaiarehe, or ‘fairy folk’.