Formed by a succession of eruptions, Te Pirongia-o-Te Aroaro-o-Kahu Mt Pirongia (the scented pathway of Kahu) burst into existence about 2.5 million years ago.
Pirongia village, which sits at the foot of the mountain, came about 158 years ago in much less dramatic fashion, and with less of an olfactory announcement.
Beginning life as a garrison village during the Waikato wars, Pirongia is now a
