<P> New Zealand consists of a large number of islands; estimated around six hundred . </P> <P> 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-Māui, 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 . </P> <P> Stewart Island / Rakiura, in the south, is by far the biggest of the smaller islands, although Waiheke Island has the largest population of the smaller ones . </P>

What are the two main islands of new zealand