Abel Tasman
Dutch explorer of the South Pacific
Dutch explorer of the South Pacific
1603
423 years ago
Explorers & Adventurers
Netherlands
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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