| New Zealand has two major regions: the North Island and the South Island. The North Island consists mainly of coastal plains and relatively small mountain ranges, with a raised central plateaucrowned by three volcanic peaks; Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and the largest, Ruapehu. Approximately two thirds of New Zealand's population resides in the North Island. Auckland is the largest city with a population of 1 million and Wellington in the Lower North Island is the Capital City. The Southern Alps run much of the length of the South Island forming a climatic barrier between the west and east coasts. Christchurch is the South Island's largest city. It is the gateway to the South Island, which has some of New Zealand's most stunning scenery.
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