Posted by Clean Group NZ on 2023-12-25
Boasting a population of 3,997,300 (June 2023), the North Island is a cultural and geographical cornerstone, housing 77% of New Zealand's residents. Home to twelve major urban areas, including Auckland, Hamilton, and Wellington, it stands as a dynamic hub where modernity meets tradition.
Named Te Ika-a-Māui in Māori, the island's nomenclature reflects its mythological origin. According to Māori lore, the demigod Māui transformed a great fish into the North Island, shaping its mountains and valleys. This myth lends a unique perspective to the island's identity, captured in its Māori name, "The Fish of Māui."
While the island has been historically known as the North Island, an official name was established in 2013 by the New Zealand Geographic Board, recognizing both Te Ika-a-Māui and the commonly used North Island. This duality is reflected in daily language use, where both names are embraced in different contexts.
Geographically rich, the North Island's history dates back to the Last Glacial Period when it was connected to the South Island by a vast coastal plain. As sea levels rose, the islands separated, leaving behind a landscape adorned with bays, coastal features, lakes, rivers, capes, peninsulas, and lush forests. Volcanic wonders like the Auckland Volcanic Field and Mount Ruapehu add a touch of drama to the island's topography.
From the Bay of Islands to the Hauraki Gulf, and from Lake Taupō to the Coromandel Peninsula, the North Island is a tapestry of natural wonders. Forest parks like Egmont National Park and Whanganui National Park offer havens for exploration, while volcanic sites like Whakaari / White Island tell tales of the island's fiery past.
Join us on a journey through Te Ika-a-Māui, where Māori mythology meets contemporary life, and where nature's grandeur unfolds in every corner, creating a tapestry of enchantment and cultural significance.
The North Island, also officially named Te Ika-a-Māui,[1] is one of the two main islands of New Zealand, separated from the larger but less populous South Island by Cook Strait. With an area of 113,729 km2 (43,911 sq mi),[2] it is the world's 14th-largest island, constituting 44% of New Zealand's land area. It has a population of 3,997,300 (June 2023),[3] which is 77% of New Zealand's residents,[4] making it the most populous island in Polynesia and the 28th-most-populous island in the world.
Twelve main urban areas (half of them officially cities) are in the North Island. From north to south, they are Whangārei, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Gisborne, New Plymouth, Napier, Hastings, Whanganui, Palmerston North, and New Zealand's capital city Wellington, which is located at the south-west tip of the island.