Everyone knows that a true travel enthusiast should be able to tell Austria from Australia, Sweden from Switzerland, and pronounce the name of the volcano whose eruption shut down European skies in 2010 without missing a beat. Why? Well, because not everyone can do it.
And if you’ve already mastered the pronunciation of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull without too many awkward pauses, here’s a new challenge for you—today, on International Tongue Twister Day, try saying the longest place name in the world without stumbling:
The World’s Longest Place Name
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu.
This remarkable name, spanning 85 letters, belongs to a 1,000-foot hill near Pōrangahau in southern Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. For travelers seeking unique destinations, this landmark offers both a linguistic challenge and a glimpse into rich Māori cultural heritage.
The main attraction near Pōrangahau – the sign marking the famous hill’s name. Photo by russellstreet (Flickr)
The Story Behind the Name
The record-breaking name, officially listed in the Guinness World Records, translates from Māori to English as “the summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, the slider, climber of mountains, the land-swallower who traveled about, played his flute to his loved one.” The name commemorates a legendary Māori figure named Tamatea, who played his kōauau (traditional Māori flute) on this hill while mourning his brother’s death in battle.
Local Māori communities actually have even longer versions of the hill’s name, with variations reaching 92, 105, and even 125 letters. But don’t worry, we won’t make you twist your tongue with those!
Famous Tongue Twisters for Practice
If you’re finding the New Zealand hill’s name challenging on the first try, warm up with these classic tongue twisters:
- She sells seashells by the seashore.
- Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
- How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
- Pad kid poured curd pulled cod.
Fun fact: The last tongue twister was created by MIT researchers in 2013 and is considered the most challenging tongue twister in the English language.
About International Tongue Twister Day
International Tongue Twister Day, celebrated on the second Sunday of November, is a unique holiday dedicated to the joy of tongue twisters—phrases designed to challenge pronunciation through similar-sounding words and complex phonetic patterns. It’s the perfect occasion to attempt pronouncing Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu and explore the fascinating intersection of language, culture, and travel.
Travel tip
When visiting the hill in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, consider taking a guided tour with local Māori guides who can share the full cultural significance of this historic landmark and help you master its pronunciation.
