KEY POINTS:
Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer visited the Starship children's hospital in Auckland yesterday to give the youngsters who won't be able to attend her show a preview before starting a tour of the North Island.
Dora and her friends Boots and Diego made an appearance in the atrium at the hospital.
At least 200 preschool children were at the event, and everyone happily lined up to get their pictures taken with Dora, Boots and Diego.
The visit was organised by the Starship Foundation, the non-profit organisation that provides additional equipment and support to the hospital.
"I love Dora and I always watch her programme", exclaimed Gemini Marino, a young Dora fan from Onehunga.
Dora the Explorer's North Island tour begins tomorrow in Auckland and ends on July 18 in Wellington.
