Story: Nelson region

Abel Tasman in Golden Bay

Abel Tasman in Golden Bay

Abel Tasman and his crew were the first Europeans to see New Zealand. In 1642 they anchored in eastern Golden Bay, offshore from Wainui Inlet, where four of the crew were killed in a skirmish with Māori. Tasman named the place Murderers’ Bay and sailed off without making landfall. In the Nelson region he is commemorated by the names Abel Head, Abel Tasman Point, the Tasman Mountains, Abel Tasman National Park, Tasman district and the settlement of Tasman.

Using this item

Auckland Art Gallery – Toi o Tāmaki
Engraving after a drawing by Isaac Gilsemans

Permission of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Nelson region - Māori history', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/28816/abel-tasman-in-golden-bay (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, updated 1 Aug 2015