Abel Tasman

Dutch explorer of the South Pacific

Abel Tasman - Dutch explorer of the South Pacific
Born

1603
422 years ago

Died

October 10th, 1659
365 years ago — 56 years old

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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