This Is The Longest Place Name In World — Can You Pronounce? | Here’s How To Visit, A Plus For Vegetarians

Last Updated:December 22, 2025, 13:25 IST

As the box was opened, instead of a birthday greeting, the cake carried the words “Leave at security,” written in icing.

Taumata Hill is situated near Porangahau in the Hawke’s Bay area in New Zealand. (Photo Credit: X)

If you thought names of long places are confusing, wait until you hear this one. Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu, an 85-letter name, holds the world record for the longest place name. This well-known spot is a hill in New Zealand and is commonly referred to as Taumata Hill for simplicity.

While the name may look playful, it carries deep cultural significance. Each part of the name is tied to a Māori story about Tamatea, a revered warrior and explorer remembered by many tribes.

The hill has become a popular stop for travellers who love unique places. A large roadside sign shows the full name and attracts visitors from around the world. For Indian travellers, it comes with an added comfort as nearby towns offer vegetarian food options.

A video showing a local saying the long name has gone viral online. In the clip, the person breaks the name into smaller parts, making it easier to pronounce. He says, “Tau-mata-waka-tangi-hanga-ko-au-auo-tamate-a-tu-ri-pu-ka-ka-piki-maunga-horo-nuku-po-ka-i-whe-nua-ki-tana-tahu."

What Is Taumata Hill, Where Is It Located And What Does The Name Mean?

Taumata Hill is situated near the town of Porangahau in the Hawke’s Bay area of New Zealand’s North Island. The full name “Taumata whakatangi hangakoauau o tamatea turi pukakapiki maunga horo nuku pokai whenua kitanatahu" comes from a local story about a man named Tamatea, a famous figure in Maori history. He is remembered as a great explorer and is seen as an ancestor by many Māori tribes in New Zealand. The name describes a place where Tamatea once played music for someone he loved. Due to its length and difficulty to pronounce, locals simply refer to it as Taumata Hill.

How Can You Visit The Spot?

The hill is just 305 metres high and is easy to spot with a roadside sign that shows its full name. Visitors can reach the area by driving south from Waipukurau and turning onto Wimbledon Road. Since the hill is on private land, people need permission before walking in. With 85 letters, it is counted as one of the longest place names in the world.

What Are The Main Attractions?

The hill is surrounded by open farmland, which makes the area calm and scenic. The large signboard shows the full 85-letter name in clear white letters and has been recognised by Guinness World Records. The sign has become a popular stop for photos, videos and among travel content creators.

What Are The Nearby Attractions?

Besides taking photos with the famous long name sign, visitors can explore many nearby attractions. Tourists can visit a Māori marae to learn about tribal land, culture, and hear stories directly from the elders. Stargazers can discover Māori sky knowledge at Atea a Rangi. Art and history enthusiasts will enjoy MTG Hawke’s Bay in Napier, which showcases cultural artefacts from local tribes.

For adventure lovers, kayaking on the Mohaka or Tukituki rivers offers an exciting experience. Cape Kidnappers is perfect for coastal views, golfing, or seeing the world’s largest mainland gannet colony up close. Napier is also known for its wineries and iconic Art Deco architecture, while Te Mata Peak offers walking trails, breathtaking views, and rich Māori legends.

Why Is It Appealing To Indian Visitors?

The place draws many Indian travellers, partly because of its fascinating record. New Zealand is gaining popularity among Indian families, especially for its stunning landscapes often showcased in films. Hawke’s Bay offers good vegetarian food options, making it a preferred destination for Indian visitors. The story behind the hill, a brave and loving warrior, resonates with those who appreciate epic tales from Indian culture. Plus, it’s just a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Wellington, making it easily accessible.

Are Guided Tours Available at Taumata Hill?

Visitors can join guided tours at Taumata Hill through local tour operators who focus on sharing its culture and history. One option is a self-guided walk that covers a 5 km area. The walk takes around one and a half hours one way. There is also a short guided experience that starts near the famous sign. During this one-hour session, visitors take group photos, walk for a short distance and listen to stories about the hill, its past, family roots and local traditions.

For those who want more time, overnight and multi-day packages are also available. These include a local guide, transport and guided visits to important nearby places.

What Should Indian Travellers Know About Visiting New Zealand?

Indian travellers are among the top visitors to New Zealand post-pandemic, with over 80,000 arrivals recorded till May 2025. Many come for holidays, typically staying around 11 days. Indian nationals need a Visitor Visa to enter New Zealand, as there is no visa-on-arrival option.

The visa application is completed online via the official immigration website. Passports must be valid for at least three to six months beyond the return date. Visa processing usually takes three to four weeks, with costs covering both the visa fee and a visitor levy.

New Zealand’s peak travel season is from December to February, when the weather is warm and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. For those seeking fewer crowds and lower prices, the shoulder seasons from March to May or September to November offer comfortable weather and better deals.

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