Abel Tasman
Dutch explorer of the South Pacific
Born
1603
422 years ago
Died
Category
Explorers & Adventurers
Country
Netherlands
Links & References
A Dutch merchant and explorer led the first European expedition to New Zealand and Australia. In 1642, Tasman embarked on a voyage for the Dutch East India Company, discovering the islands of Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania) and New Zealand. His encounters with indigenous peoples were among the earliest documented interactions between Europeans and the Māori. The voyages contributed to European knowledge of the South Pacific region and helped to establish future exploration.
Discovered New Zealand in 1642
Explored the coast of Tasmania
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