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Home to the longest place name in the world
Porangahau, the home of the longest place name in the world, is 55km southeast of Waipukurau and easily accessible via a fully sealed & picturesque road, Route 52.
Tamatea’s son (see Porangahau’s famous hill) Kahungunu, founder of Ngati Kahungunu, originally settled the Porangahau district. Colonial settlement came much later and the district now serves a farming community. There are two main settlements - one being the village, which is home to Rongomaraeroa Marae and the centre for the school, dairy, fire brigade and ambulance services.
The hotel, The Duke of Edinburgh, is well-known for its friendly atmosphere and for the restaurant which dishes out quality food and ambience in equally generous proportions. The historic and recently-restored Anglican church of St Michael and all Angels and its cemetery is also well worth a visit.
Te Paerahi Beach, about five kilometres from Porangahau village, is the second settlement. Its expanse of sand, stretching eight kilometres to the north to the mouth of the Porangahau River, is unequalled along the Central Hawke's Bay coastline, making it a popular locality for a variety of family activities.
Fishing charters are available, while the nearby Porangahau Country Club features a 9-hole golf course, bowls and multi-functional clubrooms with picturesque views. Boating on the Porangahau River is another popular pastime.
Accommodation is available from a variety of outlets including a heritage homestead, camping grounds, motel, fishing lodge and home stays. For the less active, craft shops offer weekend browsing opportunities.
Porangahau's famous hill, Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu is drawing increasing numbers of visitors to the area. The name means ‘The hilltop where Tamatea, with big knees, conqueror of mountains, eater of land, traveller over land and sea, played his koauau (flute) to his beloved’. Tamatea's beloved was in fact his brother who was killed during a battle in the area.
The hilltop can be reached on a walking route over private land, of approximately four hours. Click here for information
Enquiries at the Central Hawkes Bay Visitor Information Centre, Waipukurau phone: (06) 858 6488.
Where can I see the sign and read the legend of the longest place name in the world?
Approaching Porangahau, 55kms from Waipukurau, turn right onto Wimbledon Rd. The Longest Sign (10 metres) for the Longest Name can be viewed 5 kms along this road. A great photo opportunity!
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World's Longest Place Name T-Shirts
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