The North Island of New Zealand is the smaller of the two main islands and has New Zealand's largest city — Auckland — and New Zealand's capital city — Wellington. Highlights include geothermal Rotorua, Waitomo Caves and Lake Taupo.

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and the world's largest Polynesian city. Known as the City of Sails, it has more boats per capital than any other city in the world.

Rotorua is a place that provides a different experience. Threads of steam issue from parks, pathways and streets and the scent of sulphur — a hint of the geothermal activity found minutes from the city centre. Geysers roar from the ground. Pools of bubbling mud gurgle and belch. In geothermal fields around Rotorua, steam rises from lakes and streams. Dazzling silica terraces display a kaleidoscope of colour. Towering volcanoes, now sleeping giants, are reminders of the landscape's past. Extinct volcanic craters provide the vessels for Rotorua's crystal lakes.

In Waitomo District, the Waitomo Caves, with their caverns, underground rivers and glittering glowworms, are one of the island's most popular attractions.

New Zealand's trout fishing capital enjoys a scenic location on the shores of Lake Taupo (606sq km), the country's largest lake.

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