About
North Island is the larger of New Zealand's two main islands, located in the Oceania region. It is home to most of the country's population, and its two best-known cities, the capital Wellington and the largest city Auckland, sit within it. For many visitors it is the natural first stop, since much of the country's urban life, transport links and visitor services are concentrated here.
What the island offers
Because so many people live here, the island suits a visit built around cities and the places between them. Travellers can spend time in Wellington, the seat of government, or in Auckland, the country's largest city, and use either as a base for exploring the surrounding countryside and coastline.
Planning a visit
- Choose a base: Wellington and Auckland are the two main hubs, each with its own character and range of places to stay and eat.
- Mix city and countryside: the island's population centres sit alongside more open, rural landscapes that are easy to reach from the cities.
- Allow time to travel between places: distances on the island add up, so plan routes with the journey in mind.
North Island is a practical choice for visitors who want a mix of urban experiences and the wider landscape of New Zealand, with its two major cities as anchors for the trip.
