Saturday, April 28, 2012

Longest Place Name

The longest place-name in use in the world is Taumatawhakatangihangakoauaotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahuthe official 85 letter version of the name of a hill 305m above sea level in the southern Hawkes Bay district of the North Island in New Zealand.

The Maori translation means "The place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, known as landeater, played his Kaouau ( Maori Flute) to his loved one"

A Kaoaua is a cross-blown flute carved from bone, wood or stone. It has  a large musical range depending on the material used.


This hilltop is situated 6 kilometres away from Porangahau and is a moderate 3 hour walk to do.