Jules Sébastien César Dumont d’Urville, 1790–1842
One of the great French explorers of the Pacific, Dumont d’Urville visited New Zealand on three occasions. His second and third voyages, on the Astrolabe, produced 16 published charts, which filled in many of the gaps left by Cook.
Learn more at the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
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Marc Joseph Marion du Fresne, 1724?–1772
One of the early French explorers to visit New Zealand, Marion du Fresne reached New Zealand in 1772, sailing from the Taranaki coast around northern New Zealand and halting in the Bay of Islands. Although he was killed there after a dispute with Māori, one chart by him and two by Ambroise du Clesmeur (commander of the supply ship) from this visit survived.
Learn more at the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
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Jean François Marie de Surville, 1717–1770
Jean François Marie de Surville led a French expedition of exploration and trade to the Pacific in 1769. He was the first person to chart the coast from Cape Maria van Diemen to North Cape. He also charted Lauriston (Doubtless) Bay in some detail.
Learn more at the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
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