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North Island (1996 pop. 2,718,188), 44,702 sq mi (115,777 sq km), New Zealand. It is the smaller but more populous of the two principal islands of the country. The principal cities are Wellington, capital of New Zealand, and Auckland. Separated from South Island by Cook Strait, North Island is irregularly shaped with a long peninsula projecting northwest. There are volcanic mountains, the highest being Ruapehu (9,175 ft/2,797 m) and Mt. Egmont (8,260 ft/2,518 m). Its largest river, the Waikato, is the most important river of New Zealand, draining Lake Taupo, the country's largest lake. The island contains most of New Zealand's dairy and wine industries. Oil, iron, and coal are found there. Near the center of the island is a hot springs resort area.
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