A magnet for the people of the South Pacific islands, Auckland now has the largest concentration of Polynesians in the world. There is great shopping in the suburbs of Parnell and Newmarket , well-preserved Victorian buildings in Devonport , Polynesian handicrafts, cafes, restaurants and markets in Ponsonby , panoramic views of the city from the extinct volcano One Tree Hill , and good swimming beaches including Kohimarama and Mission Bay . The Hauraki Gulf off Auckland is dotted with islands such as Rangitoto, Great Barrier and Waiheke , which have affordable accommodation, a number of walks and diving possibilities and, in the case of Waiheke Island, excellent art galleries.
Further south is the region of King Country , once the stronghold of powerful Maori chiefs.
Even further south is Taumaranui , which makes a good base for kayaking, rafting and jet-boating on the Whanganui River. Other highlights in Taranaki include the Egmont National Park and the region's world-class surfing and windsurfing beaches. New Zealand's largest lake, and the geographical centre of the North Island, is Lake Taupo . East of the national parks is the Art Deco city of Napier , with its splendid weather and beautiful beaches. Across the inlet from Tauranga is Mt Maunganui , a popular holiday resort with beaches and saltwater pools.