answersLogoWhite

0

Abel Tasman was the first European discoverer of New Zealand, though he mapped only a small section of the West coast. James Cook followed soon after, and he produced very good charts of the coast of the country.

A word as to 'discover' - it literally means to un cover - to make it known. This is very different to who first found it.

In the 1600s and 1700s, findings of new lands were often jealously guarded secrets.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?