- Where to find: New Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bay Province
Travelers who come to New Zealand , the hill of Taumata may seem just an inconspicuous elevation. But in fact it is one of the most interesting sights of the country. Its full name sounds absolutely difficult to pronounce for any inhabitant of the planet, except for representatives of the Maori tribe, who invented it. Among the locals, the hill is known as Taumatafakatangihangakahauauautamateapokaifenuakitanatahu. This is the longest known name of natural objects and attractions, consisting of 83 letters in Russian transcription and 92 letters in English.
The inhabitants of New Zealand are proud that the hill is located on the island's territory and even entered the Guinness Book of Records. It is believed that although its longer name was invented later than the short one, it was used by local aborigines much more often. In this case, it is translated from the Maori language approximately in this way: "The top of the hill on which a man with big knees, rolling down, climbing and swallowing mountains and known as a land-eater, named Tamatea played his flute for his beloved."
What is remarkable about the hill?
The Taumata Hill is located on the New Zealand North Island in the province of Hawkes Bay, about 55 km south of the small town of Vaipukurau. The hill is part of a ridge of hills stretching between the towns of Porangau and Wimbledon.
A beautiful legend is connected to the hill. Tamatea, who, according to legend, traveled both by land and by water, is considered the ancestor of one of the Maori tribes. He was known for his military exploits and his ability to fight. One day, Tamatea had to go into battle with a hostile Maori tribe during the journey. During the skirmish, his brother was killed. The famous commander was so overwhelmed with sadness that he stayed at the place of the kinsman's death for several days and every morning played a melancholy melody on the top of the hill on the flute. There is also a version that his lover was killed instead of his brother.
Looking for a hill, you are unlikely to get lost. At its foot there is a pointer on which the full name of a sight is written. Tourists necessarily want to photograph it because of its exorbitant length. Above the pointer you will see a small tablet from which you will learn about the history of Taumat, and also about how the name of the hill is translated into English.
The hill is completely covered with greenery, so New Zealanders not only walk here, but also graze cattle. And tourists will be pleased with the luxurious views that open from its top.
Elevation even influenced the development of world culture. Of the interesting facts about it we note:
- The group from the Czech Republic MakoMako.cz included in its repertoire a composition of Taumata, the text of which consists entirely of repeating the long name of the hill.
- The song DJ The Darkraver & DJ Vince "Thunderground" contains repeated repetition of this word, as well as the single "Lone Ranger" of the British band Quantum Jump.
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