Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikomaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu
This nondescript hill on one of the most isolated spots on the island enchants me. The only reason that I ever drove by it was because I was at Waihi Falls and I was headed north. I haven’t climbed the hill. I hear there’s a commercial tour.
What I do know is that, much to my surprise, when I got back to America after my last NZ visit I heard a Mountain Dew soda ad on the radio singing this “Longest Place Name.” I loved it!! All American summer I was reminded of NZ every time I heard the song… reminded of driving around a fantastically beautiful island discovering one delightful adventure after another!!
Mountain Dew recently removed the ad from their website, so you can’t hear it anymore. But, Google “world’s longest place name” and check Wikipedia. Then YouTube “Quantum Jump” and watch the ghastly 2:49 video, then cringe and click the 3:00 “After Dark” version (code: fiwm8zma4xm). Arrrgh...this song went to #5 on the 1979 Brit chart. Google for song lyrics about Lone Ranger and Tonto being gay lovers.
Ouch! Since you’re down here, why not explore the nearby beaches and campsites…or Mt Pleasant…or McCleans Bush…or Cape Turnagain. Don’t know what’s there, maybe it’s good…go see.
