Think you’ve got a pretty good grasp of New Zealand’s cultural history? See if you can guess the meanings behind these 9 weird NZ place names from across the South Island. Sometimes the truth truly is stranger than fiction…
Know a strange place that is not on this list? Comment below!
Nightcaps
Region: Southland
A nightcap, anyone? I must have been living among Dunedin students for too long, because my first assumption was that this name must have been inspired by alcohol. But according to NZ History Online, the name ‘Nightcaps’ was inspired by the snow and fog that caps the Takitimu Mountains.
Mount Dasher
Region: North Otago
Situated 30km inland from Oamaru, there’s an air of mystery surrounding Mount Dasher (although we can probably assume it wasn’t inspired by one of Santa Claus’s reindeer). A memorable NZ Place name, this Mountain likely got its inspiration from ‘The Dasher,’ a nearby farming property.
Cannibal Bay
Region: The Catlins
Apparently, an early surveyor who found human remains here gave this pleasant, sandy bay its grisly name, despite there being no evidence of cannibalism.
Waimate
Region: Canterbury
Waimate, a small rural town north of Dunedin, was originally a Māori village called Waimatemate which according to Te Ara, means ‘slowly moving waters’. But, on the surface the name today is enough to do a double take. Wai, means water, but mate on the other hand, can be roughly translated to sickness, death and disease. Death-water? Lovely. In a strange twist of irony, Waimate won the 2023 title of ‘best tasting tap water in the country.’
Piano Flat
Region: Central Otago
Piano Flat was named after a local called Harry Selig who the first to discover gold in the area and played the piano in the local orchestra. Today Piano Flat is known for its pleasant riverside campsite.
Nugget point
Region: The Catlins
Perhaps the most iconic destination in The Catlins, a walk to Nugget Point Lighthouse will reveal the inspiration for its English name. Early miners thought the pointed rocks that jut from the ocean resembled golden nuggets in the setting sun, hence the name. Originally called Tokatā by Māori, this stunning place holds significance for Ngai Tahu who have names for each rock visible from the lookout.
Visiting the Catlins? Check out the top 8 activities to do in The Catlins.
Mount Stalker
Region: North Otago
One of the more unique NZ place names, Mount Stalker is situated Southwest of Oamaru. There’s not much information on this one, so our best guess is that, a) it’s named after an early settler or farm station, or b) the name refers to the act of ‘stalking’ game like deer rather than the unfortunate type you experience down a city alleyway at 3am.
Gore
Region: Southland
One of the better-known NZ place names, Gore isn’t gory. Rather, the inspiration for its name is far more mundane, referring to Tomas Gore-Brown who was appointed the NZ Governor in 1855.
Old Man Range & Old Woman Range
Region: Central Otago
The Old Man Range in Central Otago is named after a huge, distinctive tor known as ‘Obelisk’ and affectionately called ‘the Old Man”. Kopuwai, the Māori place name for this region means “Water Swallower”, alluding to a legendary giant who lived in the area. The Old Woman Range is nearby, presumably keeping the Old Man company.
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