Taumatawhakatangihangakōauauotamateapōkaiwhenuakitānatahu, Hill summit near Pōrangahau, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
This summit rises 305 meters above sea level and forms an elevated point in the rural landscape of southern Hawke's Bay region. The terrain consists of sandstone formations and offers views over the surrounding hills and pastures.
The name comes from Tamatea, a Māori chief whose brother was killed at the Battle of Matanui. Each morning for several days he played a lament on his kōauau, a Māori flute, at the spot where the hill now stands. The hill was named by the Ngāti Kere tribe, and the name is a taunaha whenua, a place named by an ancestor after an event in his life.
The name is a taunaha whenua, a place named by an ancestral chief after an event in his life, which legitimises tribal territorial claims. It was coined by the Ngāti Kere, and both Ngāti Kahungunu and Rangitāne claim descent from Tamatea. The kōauau Tamatea played is a Māori flute, not a nose flute.
Access requires a 55-kilometer drive south from Waipukurau, followed by a turn onto Wimbledon Road leading to the name board. The site lies in rural surroundings with limited facilities, so bringing supplies is advisable.
This geographic location holds the Guinness World Record for the longest official place name in English-speaking territories with 85 characters. Visitors find a specially made sign with the full name along the access road, which has become a popular photo opportunity.
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