NOW you know what the longest place name in the world is.
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu is the name of a hill in New Zealand and is one of the longest officially recognized place names in the world, holding a Guinness World Record. The name is in the M?ori language and tells the story of a chief named Tamatea, who played a flute for his lost love on the hill. It is often shortened to “Taumata” for easier pronunciation and recognition.
Key Facts:
- Location: A hill near P?rangahau in the southern part of Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.
- Length: The name is 85 letters long.
- Significance: It is known as the longest place name in an English-speaking country and is a Guinness World Record holder.
- Meaning: The name translates to “The summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, the land-devourer, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, played his flute for his loved one”.
- Usage: While the full name is often written or displayed, locals and visitors often use the shortened version, “Taumata,” in everyday conversation.
