Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu
This rolling hill in southern Hawke's Bay is famous for bearing an 85-letter Maori place name, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the longest placename of any-word geographic location in the world. A roadside sign marks the spot, offering travelers a chance to test their pronunciation of a name that translates roughly to 'The summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, the climber of mountains, the land-swallower who travelled about, played his flute to his loved one'. It is a quick and quirky photo stop for road-trippers exploring the rural countryside near Porangahau.
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Open 24 hours daily
- Duration
- 15 to 30 minutes
- Parking
- Pull-off space available by the roadside near the sign.
- Access
- Gravel roadside viewing area; uneven terrain leading up to the hill.
Read more
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu is a modest rolling hill in the southern Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand, near the small town of Porangahau. Its claim to fame is its staggering 85-character Maori name, which holds the Guinness World Record for the longest place name of any transit station or geographic feature in an English-speaking country.
Visitors who make the journey to the site encounter a simple painted metal sign displaying the full name by the side of Porangahau Road. There is no grand visitor center or towering monument, just the sweeping green pastures of working sheep farms and the gentle rise of the hill itself. The name translates roughly to: "The place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, the climber of mountains, the land-swallower who travelled about, played his flute to his loved one."
Tamatea was a renowned chief and explorer in Maori tradition, and the naming of the hill commemorates a romantic or poignant moment from his travels. Locals and travelers alike frequently stop at the roadside sign to photograph themselves alongside what is arguably the world's most unwieldy piece of geographic nomenclature, testing their pronunciation skills against the linguistic marathon.
Ratings
roadside attractionLore & References
- The Flute of TamateaLocal tradition holds that the hill was named to commemorate Tamatea playing his koauau, or Maori flute, to mourn a brother lost in a tribal skirmish.
- The Guinness TitleThe name gained global notoriety and a place in record books for decades as the longest geographic place name in the world.
Visitor Tips
- ◆ Pull safely off the gravel shoulder when stopping to take photographs of the sign.
- ◆ Respect surrounding private farmland and do not cross fences without permission.
- ◆ Practice your pronunciation ahead of time to fully appreciate the linguistic challenge.
- ◆ Combine the visit with a trip to the nearby coastal settlement of Porangahau.
Heads Up
- ◆ The roadside has limited parking space and traffic on the rural road can occasionally move at high speeds.
Common questions
Is there a sign for Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu?
Yes, there is a large official roadside sign displaying the long place name near Porangahau. Visitors frequently stop here to take photos.
Can you pronounce the whole name of Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu?
Most visitors struggle with the 85-letter Maori place name, which holds the Guinness World Record for the longest placename of any-word origin. Local residents and tourism guides can sometimes help demonstrate the correct pronunciation.
How do you get to the Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu sign from Porangahau?
The sign is located about 5 kilometers south of Porangahau on Wimbledon Road. It is easily accessible by car, though it is in a rural farming area with limited facilities nearby.