In Brief
The North Island, like its southern neighbor, has a wide variety of terrain and climates. The historic northland, where the first human settlements were founded, features subtropical sandy beaches and massive dunes. The middle of the island is known for its geothermal activity, with a number of active volcanoes, geysers and hot springs – this is also New Zealand's main center of Maori culture, and the home of the country's largest lake and most famous glowworm caves. The southern part of the island is fertile and lush, a region of vast sheep stations, vineyard-covered hills and rugged coast.
The North Island is much more populous than the South Island (though in New Zealand, that's a relative term). The country's largest city, Auckland, is located here, as well as its capital, Wellington.