Have you ever stumbled upon a word so long it seemed to defy pronunciation? Prepare to be amazed by Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu, the longest place name in the world. This incredible name, boasting 85 characters, belongs to a hill in the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand’s North Island.

World’s Longest Place Name

A Maori Legacy

The name originates from the Māori language and tells a captivating story. It translates to “the summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, the slider, climber of mountains, the land-swallower who travelled about, played his kōauau (flute) to his loved one”.

According to legend, Tamatea was a renowned Māori chief and warrior. After his brother fell in battle with another tribe, Tamatea mourned his loss by playing his flute on this very hill. In honour of Tamatea’s exploits, the Māori people gave the hill its descriptive name.

More Than Just a Name

Taumata Hill stands at 305 metres (1,001 feet) above sea level. While the full name is a mouthful, locals often shorten it to Taumata Hill or simply Taumata.

A Tourist Hotspot

Despite its remote location, Taumata Hill has become a popular destination. Visitors come from far and wide to witness the iconic signpost bearing the lengthy name and capture a photo. The hill itself is on private land, so you need permission to walk to it. To find it, travel south from Waipukurau for approximately 55 kilometres, then turn onto Wimbledon Road. The sign is located about five kilometres along this road.

Variations

Interestingly, there are even longer versions of the name:

  • Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaurehaeaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu (92 letters)
  • Taumata-whakatangihanga-koauau-o-Tamatea-hau-mai-tawhiti-ure-haea-turi-pukaka-piki-maunga-horo-nuku-pokai-whenua-ki-tana-tahu (105 letters), meaning “the hill of the flute playing by Tamatea – who was blown hither from afar, had a slit penis, grazed his knees climbing mountains, fell on the earth, and encircled the land – to his beloved one”.

The name has appeared in various forms of media, including:

  • A 1960 song by New Zealand balladeer Peter Cape
  • The 1976 song “The Lone Ranger” by British band Quantum Jump
  • A Mountain Dew jingle and a SEEK Learning TV advertisement in Australia

Whether you’re a geography enthusiast, a word nerd, or simply seeking a unique travel experience, a visit to Taumata Hill is sure to leave a lasting impression. It serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Māori people and their deep connection to the land.

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