North Island of New Zealand | New Zealand Tourism

North Island of New Zealand | New Zealand Tourism


The North Island (Māori: Te Ika-a-Māui) is one of the two main islands of New Zealand, separated from the much less populous South Island by Cook Strait. The island is 113,729 square kilometres (43,911 sq mi) in area, making it the world's 14th-largest island. It has a population of 3,328,700 (June 2010 estimate).

Twelve cities are in the North Island: Auckland, New Plymouth, Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Hamilton, Hastings, Palmerston North, Rotorua, Wanganui, Whangarei and Wellington, the capital, located at the southern extremity of the island. Approximately 76% of New Zealand's population lives in the North Island.

Fast Fact of North Island of New Zealand:


Location:


New Zealand

Coordinates:

38°24′S 175°43′E

Area:

113,729 km2 (43,911 sq mi)

Highest elevation:

2,797 m (9,177 ft)

Highest point:


Mount Ruapehu

Largest city:

Auckland (pop. 1,354,900)

Weather Forecast of North Island of New Zealand:



Naming and usage of North Island of New Zealand:


Although the island has been known as the North Island for many years, the New Zealand Geographic Board has found that, along with the South Island, it has no official name. The board intends to make North Island the island's official name, along with an alternative Māori name. Although several Māori names have been used, Maori Language Commissioner Erima Henare sees Te Ika-a-Māui as the most likely choice.

The definite article is used with the names of the North and South islands, as the North Island and the South Island, like the North Sea and the Western World, but unlike Rangitoto Island or West Point. Maps, headings or tables and adjectival expressions use North Island, whereas the North Island is used after a preposition or before or after a verb, e.g. my mother lives in the North Island, the North Island is smaller than the South Island, or I'm visiting the North Island. When specifying that the island is where a place, person, or object is located, it is normal to use the word in rather than on, for example Hamilton is in the North Island.

Holidays in New Zealand / North Island:


Mount Maunganui:


Mount Maunganui is a heaven for those, who love to relax amidst of nature after a long and tiring day. Actions lovers can enjoy their staying in the island with beautiful surfing and swimming with dolphins. You also can walk around the mountain to enjoy the scenic view. Shed away all the tiredness in the hot salty water lakes. You can feed your hungry tummies at the sea-view café.

Bay of Islands:


The famous Bay of Islands is located at the tip of the north island. Sailing and fishing lovers can find this place ideal for their hobbies. You also can enjoy dolphin watching from the bay of Islands. There are a number of cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy your meals you’re your holiday partners.

Coromandel:


A number of activities are awaiting you at Coromandel. From the Hot Water Beach to Pohutakawa coasts… you can enjoy every bit of your staying. These coastlines are great for diving, kayaking and snorkeling. You also can visit the local gold mind in Waihi. You can undertake a cruise trip to Cathedral Cove.

Tauranga:


From diving, fishing to swimming and cruising… you can have all actions in Tauranga. Tauranga Art Gallery is one of the most major attractions in this region. Tuhua Island is ideal for day trips. You can enjoy picnic with your family and friends in McLaren Falls Park.


Māori mythology:


According to Māori mythology, the North and South Islands of New Zealand arose through the actions of the demigod Māui. Māui and his brothers were fishing from their canoe (the South Island) when he caught a great fish and pulled it from the sea. While he was not looking his brothers fought over the fish and chopped it up. This great fish became the North Island and thus a Māori name for the North Island is Te Ika-a-Māui (The Fish of Māui). The mountains and valleys are said to have been formed as a result of Māui's brothers' hacking at the fish. Until the early 20th Century, an alternative Māori name for the North Island was Aotearoa. In present Māori usage, Aotearoa is a collective name for New Zealand as a whole.

Ecology:


North Island has an extensive flora and bird population, with numerous National Parks and other protected areas.

Regions of the North Island:


Nine local government regions cover the North Island and all its adjacent islands and territorial waters.

  • Northland
  • Auckland
  • Bay of Plenty
  • Gisborne
  • Waikato
  • Taranaki
  • Manawatu-Wanganui
  • Hawkes Bay
  • Wellington

Cities and towns in the North Island:


  • Auckland
  • Gisborne
  • Hamilton
  • Hastings
  • Masterton
  • Napier
  • New Plymouth
  • Palmerston North
  • Rotorua
  • Taupo
  • Tauranga
  • Wanganui
  • Whangarei
  • Wellington

Smaller urban areas are found on the List of towns in New Zealand, as are components of larger metropolitan area.

Geographic features:


  • Cape Reinga
  • East Cape
  • Cape Palliser
  • Lake Taupo
  • Mt Maunganui Beach
  • Tongariro National Park
  • Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu
  • Waikato River
  • Waipoua Kauri Forest
  • Waitomo Caves
  • Ninety Mile Beach

North Island of New Zealand, New Zealand Tourism, New Zealand Map North Island, Fast Fact of North Island of New Zealand,Weather Forecast of North Island of New Zealand and much more