Taumata Hill, Waipukurau - Image 1

Taumata Hill Waipukurau

4.6
·1k reviews·Pōrangahau, New Zealand

Home to the world's longest place name, this scenic hill offers a unique photo op and stunning countryside views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best for clear views

CrowdLow
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Taumata Hill, Waipukurau - Image 1

Taumata Hill Waipukurau

Best Time

Daytime

Best for clear views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Home to the world's longest place name, this scenic hill offers a unique photo op and stunning countryside views. TikTok

4.6
(1k reviews)

"The summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, played his nose flute to his loved one. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Practice the Name!

Try to learn the 85-letter Maori name beforehand for a fun challenge.

📸 Selfie Spot

The sign is the perfect backdrop for a memorable photo. Don't forget your camera!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The World's Longest Place Name

The World's Longest Place Name

Summit sign

Challenge yourself to pronounce and say the 85-letter Maori name. A truly unique and memorable experience.

TikTok+1
Panoramic Countryside Views

Panoramic Countryside Views

Summit viewpoint

Enjoy sweeping vistas of the rolling hills and valleys of the Hawke's Bay region. Perfect for a moment of reflection.

Instagram+1
Maori Culture & History

Maori Culture & History

Interpretive signage

Learn about the cultural significance of the name and the land through informative displays.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Master the Name Game

The main draw is the incredibly long Maori name! Practice it beforehand or be ready to point to the sign. It's a fun challenge and a unique photo op that many travelers aim for. TikTok+1

Scenic Views & Photo Ops

Beyond the name, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It's a great spot for a quick stop and a memorable selfie. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best for clear views
Crowd
Low
When
Sunrise/Sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

LONGEST PLACE NAME IN THE WORLD 🇳🇿 #Taumata­whakatangihanga­koauau­o­tamatea­turi­pukaka­piki­maunga­horo­nuku­pokai­whenua­ki­tana­tahu #newzealand #bucketlist
@ksand77
14.2M likes • 104.2M views

🎯 Practice the Name!

Try to learn the 85-letter Maori name beforehand for a fun challenge. TikTokReddit

📸 Selfie Spot

The sign is the perfect backdrop for a memorable photo. Don't forget your camera! TikTokInstagram

I finally travelled to the longest place name in the WORLD 🌏 heheh this was so fun and we couldn’t miss out on seeing it. If you’re travelling up north from Wellington, definitely add this to the list of places you stop! #longestplacename #newzealandtourism #newzealandtiktok #traveltok #newzealandmustsee #newzealandbucketlist #maori #newzealandscenery #travelvibes
@indievers
4.4M likes • 36.6M views
Central Hawkes Bay - my home! Love this place, a gorgeous view point from Pukeora Hill looking towards Waipukurau town. We often take this route home, it’s not too much of a detour, every time the view looks different with the change of weather. #pukeora #pukeoraestate #waipukurau #waipukuraunz #waipukuraunewzealand #centralhawkesbay #centralhawkesbaynz #hawkesbay #hawkesbaynz #niftyfew #ig_newzea...
krazy_kids4
87 likes • 0 views

🚗 Easy Detour

It's a quick stop, often incorporated into road trips. TikTokInstagram

🗣️ Ask Siri for Directions

If you get stuck on pronunciation, Siri can help! Reddit

Morning time at Pukeora Hill - Waipukurau #pukeorahill #pukeoraestate #waipukurau #centralhawkesbay #centralhawkesbaynz #centralhawkesbayphotographer #hawkesbay #hawkesbaynz #hawkesbayphotographer #hawkesbayphotographers #photography #photographylovers #photooftheday #ig_newzealand #niftyfew #infocuswomen #sunrisenz #sunrisenewzealand #sunrisesofinstagram #sunriseoftheday #sunsrays #fresh #purenz ...
krazy_kids4
73 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Practice the Name!

Try to learn the 85-letter Maori name beforehand for a fun challenge. TikTokReddit

📸 Selfie Spot

The sign is the perfect backdrop for a memorable photo. Don't forget your camera! TikTokInstagram

🚗 Easy Detour

It's a quick stop, often incorporated into road trips. TikTokInstagram

🗣️ Ask Siri for Directions

If you get stuck on pronunciation, Siri can help! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are captivated by the sheer novelty of the world's longest place name, often making a special trip just to see and say it. The scenic views are a pleasant bonus, adding to the charm of this unique stop. While some find the name itself the main draw, others appreciate the cultural significance and the opportunity for a memorable photo. TikTokReddit

"Actually went there and memorised and learned how to say the name. One step closer to godhood…"

Helena Ying Cecilie Wang

"Very nice place. Never been there but the name impressed me a lot. Hope the place is as good as its name.🤣"

Anik Chakraborty

"Please give Open Road by Ra Costelloe a listen and tell me you don't want to drop everything sail to New Zeland right now and learn how to say it and take a selfie. What a great story. See you soon!"

Kody

What People Like

The incredibly long Maori name
Unique photo opportunities
Scenic countryside views

What People Dislike

Pronunciation challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Taumata Hill is located near Waipukurau in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand's North Island. It's accessible by car and is often a convenient stop for those traveling between major cities. Many visitors find it an easy detour off the main highway. TikTok

Yes, follow signs for Waipukurau and then look for the turn-off to Taumata Hill. The prominent sign with the long Maori name is hard to miss once you're close. Instagram

Using GPS or a navigation app is recommended. You can also ask locals for directions to 'Taumata Hill' or the 'longest place name' in the area. Reddit

Absolutely! Taumata Hill is a perfect quick stop for a day trip or as a brief interlude during a longer road trip through the North Island. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entrance fee to visit Taumata Hill. It's a public viewpoint and a free attraction for all visitors. TikTok

Taumata Hill is accessible at any time of day, as it's an outdoor viewpoint. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best views and photo opportunities. Instagram

No booking is required. Taumata Hill is a natural attraction and does not require advance ticket purchases. TikTok

There are no specific restrictions, but visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the site and its cultural significance. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photographs. However, daytime provides clear views of the landscape. Instagram+1

The main attraction is the sign with the long Maori name. Also, capture the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the sky, especially if you're lucky enough to see the Milky Way. Instagram+1

The area around the sign is the most popular photo spot. You can also find vantage points for wider landscape shots. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area. Instagram

🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience

The primary activity is taking photos with the sign bearing the world's longest place name and enjoying the scenic views. It's a great spot for a short break and a unique photo opportunity. TikTok+1

Most visitors spend about 15-30 minutes at Taumata Hill, primarily for photos and to admire the view. TikTok

There are typically no dedicated facilities like restrooms directly at the Taumata Hill viewpoint. It's advisable to use facilities in Waipukurau before or after your visit. Instagram

Yes, it's an ideal quick stop. The sign is easily accessible from the parking area, making it perfect for a brief break during a road trip. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Taumata Hill is a fun and quirky stop for families. The main attraction is the challenge of saying the super long name, which can be a great game for kids. It's a quick and easy stop, perfect for breaking up a longer car journey. TikTok+1

Encourage your children to try and pronounce the name, or at least marvel at its length. The scenic views also offer a chance for kids to stretch their legs and enjoy the open space. It's a memorable and lighthearted experience that adds a unique element to a family road trip through New Zealand. Instagram

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

For anyone on a road trip through New Zealand's North Island, Taumata Hill is an essential and easy detour. It's a perfect spot for a quick photo opportunity and a chance to stretch your legs. TikTokInstagram

Many travelers incorporate this stop as part of a larger journey, appreciating its novelty and the scenic views. It doesn't require a significant time commitment, making it ideal for those looking to maximize their sightseeing within a limited timeframe. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Story Behind the Name

The name Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu is a testament to Maori oral tradition and storytelling. It's not just a random collection of letters; it's a descriptive phrase that tells a story. The name translates to "The summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, the slider, the climber of mountains, the land-swallower who travelled about, played his nose flute to his loved one." Reddit

This lengthy name is a significant cultural landmark and a point of pride for the local Maori community. It represents a deep connection to the land and its history. Many visitors find learning about the meaning behind the name adds a richer dimension to their visit, transforming it from just a quirky photo op into an educational experience. TikTok

While the full pronunciation can be a challenge, many visitors embrace the fun of trying to say it, or at least acknowledging its impressive length. It's a unique linguistic and cultural experience that sets this New Zealand spot apart. TikTok

Capturing the Moment: Photography Tips

Taumata Hill offers a fantastic opportunity for unique travel photography. The most iconic shot is undoubtedly with the sign bearing the 85-letter Maori name. Be prepared for a bit of a queue if you visit during peak times, but it's worth the wait for that memorable selfie. TikTokInstagram

Beyond the sign, the panoramic views from the hilltop are stunning. The rolling green hills of the Hawke's Bay region provide a beautiful backdrop. Consider visiting during the golden hours – sunrise or sunset – for dramatic lighting that enhances the landscape. Instagram+1 Instagrammers often capture the vastness of the sky, and if you're lucky, you might even catch the Milky Way, as one visitor noted. Instagram

Remember to bring your camera or smartphone and perhaps a wide-angle lens to capture both the sign and the expansive scenery. The simplicity of the location means the focus is entirely on the name and the natural beauty surrounding it. Instagram