Tasman’s first view of New Zealand

Tasman’s first view of New Zealand

New Zealand was first seen by European eyes when Abel Tasman came upon the west coast of the South Island. One of Tasman’s associates, Isaac Gilsemans, sketched the coast from just north of Punakaiki up to Rocky Point (today’s Cape Foulwind). These sketches are the first European representation of New Zealand. The script on the map refers to Staten Landt, the name Tasman gave to the country.