Odd NZ Facts

Historical Odd and Unknown Facts
About New Zealand.

The Longest Place Name Still In Use is but one claim....

The name of a town in North Wales translates to "The church of St. Mary in the hollow of white hazel trees near the rapid whirlpool by St. Tysilio's of the red cave" Originally created by a local with a sense of humour this small town has long claimed the fame of having the longest name in the world and good tourism marketing has helped ingrain this is many travellers minds.

Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu However, there is a place in New Zealand which can claim the longest place name still in use. This Maori translates to "the place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, known as 'landeater,' played his flute to his loved one."

For those really INTO long names, the longest place name in the U.S. is a lake. Lake Chargoggagoggmanchaugga goggchaubunagungamaugg, in Massachusetts.	For the Aussies, who may think there is something in Australia to match this...The longest place name in Australia is Lake Cadibarrawirricanna, a salt lake in South Australia.

	The "Edwin Fox" is a historic East Indiaman built in Bengal in 1853. She has survived in remarkably good condition owing to her stout teak hull. She is; * The ninth oldest ship afloat in the world * The oldest wooden merchant ship afloat * The last surviving Crimea War troopship (1854) * The last surviving convict ship to Australia (1858) * The last surviving wooden immigrant ship to New Zealand (1873)
This remarkbale piece of history is located in a town called Picton. Picton is 'Inter Island' ferry terminal for the South Island so there is a good chance you are passing through

ANZAC Day - National Holiday - What is it?

Whilst Australians and New Zealanders are well aware of this day, and its significance, other nationalies and visitors may not. The following web site link explains the history..