This small hill in the southeastern part of New Zealand’s North Island bears the longest place name in the world. Even though the New Zealand map commission shortened it a bit for maps, it is still best known by the 85-letter name you still see on the sign at the site (there is an even longer version with over 100 letters). The name is: Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu.

It refers to a Maori chief whose name includes some of his numerous impressive physical attributes, who fought a battle in this area during which his brother was killed; so every morning he would climb to the top of this hill and play the nose-flute in lamentation for his brother. Please watch our video. What Rick didn’t mention is that it took us most of one morning to find the roadside sign and the hill.