Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu

Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu is the longest name of any place on the Earth till date. It is a hill located in the south of Waipukurau in southern Hawke's Bay in New Zealand. The exact co-ordinates of this hill are latitude: -40° 21' 0 S and longitude: 176° 33' 0 E. Although this long word is the official name of this place; it is shortened to Taumata for easy conversation purposes.

Meaning
This is the Māori (oceanic language of the Polynesian and Melanesian people) name for a hill located in New Zealand. The word can be exactly translated as, 'The hill where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed up and swallowed mountains, to travel the land, known as the Land Eater, played his flute to his loved one.' Tamatea was an explorer and a warrior who is believed to have explored this land and the Ōtamatea river. According to a legend, he explored two harbors called Hokianga and Kaipara, and later sailed down the east coast where his boat wrecked. It is also believed that Tamatea's brother was killed in one of the tribal battles and hence, Tamatea would play a lament on his flute every morning at the hilltop in the memory of his brother. Hence he acquired this gigantic name for himself.

Etymology
It has only been in the recent years that the official name of this hill has been changed to Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu. Now a sign board signifying this official name has been set up in this place. Some people believe that this word was created to beat Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (a village in Welsh), as the longest name of a place. However, the natives believe that the original name has been used here since long time. Today this 85 lettered word has got a place in the Guinness book of World records for being the longest name of a place in the world. There are two more versions of this word consisting of 92 letters (Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaurehaeaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu) and 105 letters (TaumatawhakatangihangakoauauoTamateahaumaitawhitiurehaeaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu). These variations are also used alternatively along with the original word. However, there is no effective pronunciation for the word found yet!

Taumata Facts
Although one must have never heard of this word before, it has appeared in some popular art and literature in the past. The following facts prove it.

• The shortened version of this name 'Taumata' appeared in song by Peter Cape (a Kiwi musician).
• The name also appears in the jingle of the popular drink 'Mountain Dew'.
• It was also used by the English band Quantum Jump' in the song called 'Lone Ranger'.
• This extraordinary word is also the subject of the song 'Thunderground' by DJ' Darkraver and DJ Vince.

Today, Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu is one of the major tourist spots in New Zealand. Te Awa Putahi, a spiritual mountain in New Zealand, can be seen from the Taumata hilltop. So, if you are a real tourist and wish to explore the unbeaten road, forget about pronouncing the name, and simply head on to this hilltop to marvel at its spectacular view which is blended with spiritual calmness.