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Although the Maori had been living in New Zealand for hundreds of years, Tasman is considered the first European explorer to discover New Zealand, and why he came across it was something of a fluke. In 1634 Tasman joined the Dutch East India Company and, after gaining further experience and promotions, was ordered to explore the south-east waters in order to find a new sea trade route to Chile in South America.
He was on an expedition to find the "Great South Land" which was marked, but undefined, on maps of the area. This still-hypothetical land was believed to be rich in minerals, and the Dutch hoped it would provide more trade opportunities for them. It was, of course, Australia that he was unknowingly seeking, but he never found the great continent he expected. This was, however, the catalyst for his discovery of New Zealand.
Late in November 1642, Tasman discovered a previously unknown island on his voyage past the "Great South Land", or "New Holland", as the Dutch called Australia. He named the island "Antony Van Diemen's Land" (now Tasmania).
He continued to sail east and, on 13 December 1642, sighted a new land which he described as 'large high-lying land', mountainous and covered in cloud in the south, but more barren in the north. This was New Zealand. However, he did not choose to explore further, assuming that the two lands were part of a larger continent. Tasman originally named New Zealand as Staten Landt, for he thought it might have been linked to a Staten Land close to Cape Horn which had been discovered by navigator Jacob Le Maire in 1616. Dutch cartographers subsequently named the islands New Zeeland after that province in Holland, and on English maps it became New Zealand, literally "sea land".
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What did Abel Tasman discover?
Dutch explorer Abel Tasman discovered Tasmania (at the time he named Van Diemen's land). He also discovered New Zealand and the Fijian islands.
What did Abel Tasman achieve?
Abel Tasman is credited with being the first European explorer to discover Ven Diemen's land (now Tasmania) and New Zealand.
On what ship did Abel Tasman find New Zealand?
Abel Tasman was given command of two ships (the Heemskerck and Zeehaen), in which he discovered New Zealand.
Which countries did Abel Tasman discover?
Abel Tasman discovered the country of New Zealand in 1642. He also discovered the island of Tasmania, which is now part of Australia, but he believed New Zealand and Tasmania to be part of the same continent.
Why is abel tasman a NZ park?
because besidethe Maori people Abel Janszoon Tasman was the first to diconver New Zealand. Hope this helps! T.
What year did Abel Tasman visit New Zealand?
Abel Tasman visited New Zealand in 1642.
Who is is Abel Tasman?
Abel Tasman was a dutch explorer that discovered New Zealand.
When did Tasman come to New Zealand?
Abel Tasman "discovered" New Zealand in 1642.
How did Abel Tasman change new zealand?
He didn't
Dutch sailor Abel Tasman first discovered New Zealand in what year?
The first Dutch explorer to arrive in New Zealand was Abel Tasman. He arrived in 1642.
When did Abel Tasman find the lands?
Dutch explorer Abel Tasman discovered Tasmania and New Zealand in 1642.
Who was Abel J Tasman?
Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer and trader is credited with the discovery of Tasmania and New Zealand.
What coast does the Abel Tasman lie on?
The Abel Tasman National Park is on the Northwest corner of the South Island of New Zealand.
Why did Abel Tasman insist on finding New Zealand?
He didn't. Abel Tasman came across New Zealand while investigating new possible trade routes in the South Pacific in 1642.
Why abel tasman so important?
He discovered New Zealand.
What were Abel Tasman's main achievements?
He discovered New Zealand.
What sea separarates Australia and New Zealand?
The Tasman Sea separates New Zealand with Australia and was named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman
