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The North Island of New Zealand is quite distinct from the South Island.
It is smaller in area, but has a much larger population (one third of
NZ's population is in Auckland alone). The North Island boasts
greater infrastructure, wider roads and modern architecture, but still
retains many features that remind visitors of its Maori origins and
colonial history. The island is also unique geologically with
active volcanoes, frequent earthquakes and areas of geothermal activity.
With no part of the island more than 125 kilometers from a coast, there
are also numerous beaches and coastal villages. (Click on the map above
to see our route across the North Island.)
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From Picton, the Interislander Ferry
travels through the Queen Charlotte Sound and across the Cook Strait to
Wellington.
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The city of Wellington has been called
the "Hong Kong of New Zealand." There's a curved harbour surrounded by
hillsides dotted with houses and high-rises.
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Te Papa, the national museum, presents
the history, art and natural environment of new Zealand. Te Marae, the
carved Maori meeting house is the centerpiece of the country's most
significant collection of Maori artifacts.
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From the peak of Mount Victoria, to
Oriental Parade along the Waterfront, to the shopping avenue of
Lambton Quay, the city of Wellington is diverse and vibrant.
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New Zealand's Parliament Buildings include the
Parliamentary Hall, Parliamentary Library and the distinctive Beehive
building.
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Double-decker buses and distinctive telephone
booths are reminders of British traditions. |
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