Longest name in the world

Taumata Hill

Near Porangahau in Hawke’s Bay stands an unassuming hill with one of the longest place names in the world: Taumata whakatangi hangakoauau o tamatea turi pukakapiki maunga horo nuku pokai whenua kitanatahu.

In English this means “the place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, known as ‘land eater’, played his flute to his loved one.” Locals simply call it Taumata Hill.

According to the story, Tamatea was a famous Māori chief and warrior. While travelling through the Porangahau area he met another tribe and was forced to fight. His brother was killed in the battle. Overcome with grief, Tamatea stayed at the site for several days. Each morning, he sat on the hill and played a lament on a kōauau (Māori flute).

How to find it Drive south from Waipukurau for about 55 km, then turn right onto Wimbledon Road.

A sign showing the full name stands roughly 5km along this road and makes a popular photo stop.

The hill itself is on private land, so permission is needed before walking onto the property.