New Zealand consists of a large number of islands. The two main islands, which are much larger than the rest and where most of the population lives, are the
North Island, or
Te Ika-a-Maui, and the
South Island, or
Te Waipounamu. The latter is often referred to as the "mainland", especially by its residents, because it is somewhat larger (but with a smaller population). However, in general practice, the mainland refers to both North Island and South Island as opposed to the smaller offshore islands.
Stewart Island/Rakiura is by far the biggest of the smaller islands, although
Waiheke Island has the largest population of the smaller ones.
