Aotearoa New Zealand has two main islands and is flanked by more than 600 small islands within 50 kilometers of the mainland's coast. The North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) has a population of 3,997,300, which represents approximately 77% of Aotearoa New Zealand's population. It is also home to several cities, including Auckland, the largest economy in the country and home to over 1.4 million people, and Wellington, the capital of Aotearoa New Zealand, which is home to over 400,000 people.

The North Island contributes $303,033 million to Aotearoa New

Zealand's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), representing over 78%

of the national GDP.

 

**Major Hubs in the North Island**

The North Island also boasts many New Zealand's 34 ports

including Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Napier, and Whangarei.

It is serviced by three international airports and 17 domestic airports.

The "Golden Triangle,"  formed by Hamilton, Auckland, and Tauranga,

along with the unique multimodal distribution hub in the lower North Island

consisting of rail, road, air, and sea connections, provides easy access to both the Australian and Asian markets, especially China, with whom New Zealand has a free trade agreement. Each of the regions in the North Island has a unique offering in terms of culture, infrastructure, industry, landscape, and economy. The North Island also boasts a backdrop of coastal and rural landscapes and diverse wildlife. The regions are supported by quality schools and five high ranked universities and often enjoy a lower cost of living than can be found in the larger cities. Explore the regions of the North Island below, but before you start your journey, watch the video below featuring the beauty of the North Island.