Cook Strait Cook Strait Cook Strait () is a strait that separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand. It connects the Tasman Sea on the northwest with the South Pacific Ocean on the southeast, and runs next to the capital city, Wellington. It is wide at its narrowest point, and is considered one of the most dangerous and unpredictable waters in the world. The strait is named after James Cook, the first European commander to sail through it, in 1770. In Māori it has the name "Raukawa" or "Te Moana-o-Raukawa". "Raukawa" may mean "bitter leaves". In Māori legend, Cook Strait
Northern Villages (Southern Highlands, New South Wales) Northern Villages (Southern Highlands, New South Wales) Northern Villages is the name that refers to the small villages and hamlets that make up the north of the Southern Highlands and Wingecarribee Shire. All are north of Mittagong. Historically, many either are on the Old Hume Highway or the old Picton Loop Line. In the past they were referred to as the "Northern Towns". All of the Northern Villages made up the previous Mittagong (Nattai) Shire. The postcode for the Northern Villages is the same as Mittagong: 2575. However, Balmoral has the postcode of 2571. The villages include: Hill Top, Colo