North Island also happens to be the name used in reference to the North Island of
New Zealand. There isn't really much to say about it's geographical location - it really is the
north island of
New Zealand. Look up New Zealand on the map, and this is the island that's closest to the
equator. And if you have a good map, it will also be labeled. The other two islands that New Zealand consists of are the
South Island and
Steward Island.
North Island is the home to
Auckland (largest city),
Hamilton (a city bigger than most others),
Wellington (the capital, second largest city) and, amongst others,
Bulls (recently voted the worst place in
New Zealand - population two men and a dog). It also hosts (
hosts?) lake
Taupo, the largest fresh-water lake of
New Zealand, and the big active volcano
Ruapehu (last eruption - 1996) as well as the many, many wonderful little towns that all have at least one pub. Which in most cases happens to be the
highlight of the town.
In the winter (May-July type, not the Dec-Feb sort you have in the
northern hemisphere) there is snow up on the
Ruapehu -
Whakapapa mountain range, so skiing and snowboarding industries blossom.
Altogether, the
North Island of
New Zealand is one of the two main islands, and contains three of the five largest cities (the other two are
Christchurch and
Dunedin, which are on the
South Island). If you ever end up in New Zealand, go on a
tiki-tour around the country and see for yourself.