Te Mata Peak is at the western boundary of the wine-producing Heretaunga Plains and stands nearly 400 metres above sea level.

From the summit of the peak you can enjoy panoramic views of the Ruahine, Kaweka and Maungaharuru Ranges and Cape Kidnappers. The volcano Ruapehu, in the centre of Tongariro National Park, is also visible on a clear day. 

It's an excellent cardio workout going up, but the huge views make the exertion totally worthwhile..

Maori Legend

Many centuries ago the people living in Pa (fortified villages) on the Heretaunga Plains were under constant threat of war.

At a gathering near Hastings, a wise old woman (kuia) suggested that the leader of the Waimarama tribes, a giant named Te Mata, could be made to fall in love with Hinerakau - the daughter of a Pakipaki chief - and turn his thoughts from war to peace.

Te Mata fell under the spell of the beautifully Hinerakau. 

However the people of Heretaunga had not forgotten the past and wanted revenge. They demanded that Hinerakau make Te Mata prove his devotion by accomplishing impossible tasks.

His last task was to bite through the hills between the coast and the plains, so that people could come and go with greater ease. 

Te Mata died while eating his way through the hills. His half-accomplished work can be seen in what is known as The Gap and his prostrate body forms Te Mata Peak.

Lake Tutira is the bottom photo here.