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Welcome to The Longest Place Name

The stories of heroic exploration in this mountainous and once greatly forested country goes back a very long way. Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa sailing-craft voyaged to the shores of these islands over a thousand years ago. These original people travelled across the land and named places that would become part of today’s heritage landscape.

One of the greatest explorers in the history of Aotearoa was Tamatea Ure Haea, also known  as Tamatea Pokai Whenua and Tamatea Pokai Moana (Tamatea the explorer of the Land and Tamatea the explorer of Oceans). Tamatea was born into a family of explorers, and he continued the legacy. He was a man of enormous curiosity and energy, who roamed throughout Aotearoa, from Muriwhenua to Murihiku – the far north to the deep south. Hence, the names associated with Tamatea and his journeys are to be found throughout the length and breadth of Aotearoa.

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Future Plans for The Longest Place Name

We are excited to share our vision for the future, expanding our offerings to create a deeper cultural and environmental connection for all who visit. Our upcoming projects will honor our whenua, history, and people, providing immersive experiences that reflect the richness of our heritage.

Upcoming Experiences:

🌿 Te Rau – Bush Walk
Explore our beautiful ngahere, home to a diverse range of native species unique to Aotearoa. A chance to walk among the towering trees, listen to the birdsong, and reconnect with nature.

🚐 Te Arataki – Guided Tour
Be transported to Te Taumata, our wāhi tapu site, where our guides will share the history, traditions, and stories that have shaped our people and land.

🌌 Te Maramataka – A Space to Study the Stars, Self, and Environment
A place to reflect on Te Maramataka (Māori lunar calendar), the relationship between the cosmos, our environment, and ourselves, and how these cycles continue to guide us.

🏡 Te Riu o Tamatea – A Resting & Entertaining Space
A communal area for gathering, storytelling, and reflection, designed to foster connection, inspiration, and shared experiences.

🌱 Hau Kura – 5-Day Cultural Biodiversity Experience
An immersive program combining culture and conservation, exploring the deep relationship between our people and the natural world, and how we care for the environment to ensure a thriving future.

🐟 Tuna Wai – 1.5-Hour Tuna & Water Quality Experience
Learn about the health of our waterways and the significance of tuna (eels) in our ecosystem and culture, while engaging in hands-on environmental learning.

Our Commitment

Each of these experiences embraces the historical connection to our culture and the importance of Hauora (Health and Wellbeing) for all. Through these spaces, we aim to reflect, connect, and inspire—strengthening our bond with the land and each other.

🌏 He tangata whenua – We are the land walking upright.

Turn your sound up

Click the play button &  turn up your sound to enjoy the catchy tune and video shared by visitors to The Longest Place Name.

  

Address:
P.O. Box 7, Porangahau 4245


510 Wimbledon Rd
Pōrangahau 4292
Central Hawke’s Bay
New Zealand


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