Most population of New Zealand lives on the North Island , but it is smaller than the South Island. New Zealand is a mountainous country. The highest mountains of the country are called Southern Alps. The highest mountain is Mount Cook or Aoraki (3.764 metres high ). It was named after Captain Cook who visited the islands before discovering the eastern coast of Australia. It is called " Cloud in the skies" by the Maoris [mauri]. In North Island you can see big volcanoes like Egmont and Tongariro.