explorers

Early explorers

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  The romance and sheer challenge of getting to New Zealand have made the Polynesian discovery and European rediscovery of these islands popular topics of study.

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• Page 2 – Polynesian explorers

  The origins of Maori have been debated since Westerners first entered the Pacific Ocean. During his explorations of Polynesia, Cook and his scientists noted the similarities

• Page 3 – European explorers

  Spanish and the Portuguese had an active presence in the Pacific from the early 16th century, but there is no firm evidence of Europeans reaching New Zealand before Abel Tasman

• Page 4 – Further information

  Recommended links for information about early explorers to New Zealand

Exploring New Zealand's interior

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  After charting the coastline, European surveying and exploration of the interior were a fundamental part of the settlement process, defining the boundaries of ownership and identifying resources, useable land and access routes.

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• Page 1 - Exploring New Zealand's interior After charting the coastline, European surveying and exploration of the interior were a fundamental part of the settlement process, defining the boundaries of ownership and

Antarctica and New Zealand

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  NZ and Antarctica share a long and rich history. From Tuati in 1839 to Edmund Hillary in the 1950s and more recent scientists, Kiwis have explored, examined and endured the frozen continent.

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• Page 2 – First among men

  New Zealanders were actively or passively involved in a number of significant Antarctic firsts - notably the first landing on the continent proper in 1895 and the first