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North IslandNew Zealand’s North Island offers aworld of contrasting highlights toexplore. Most visitors arrive in Auckland,the country’s largest city, with its expansiveyacht-filled harbour, islands, Maori cultureand buzzing urban environment. To thenorth lies the pretty Bay of Islands withthe historic town of Russell where theWaitangi Treaty between Great Britainand the Maori chiefs was signed in 1840.Further south, the unspoilt CoromandelPeninsula boasts pristine coastal scenerywhilst inland, pastoral farms contrast withthe sulphurous boiling mud, hissingfumaroles and spurting geysers of Rotoruaand the geothermal plateau. Mighty LakeTaupo offers a wide variety of outdooractivities and nearby lie the active volcanicpeaks of Tongariro National Park. On theNorth Island’s eastern coast, Hawke’s Bayis renowned for the art deco city of Napierand for its long-established wineries.Finally, in the south of the North Island liesthe nation’s cosmopolitan capital, Wellington,home to the superb Te Papa TongarewaMuseum, the Parliament Buildings andOld St. Paul’s Cathedral.10