Skip to main content

Story: European discovery of New Zealand

Tasman’s first view of New Zealand

Image
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.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library

Reference: PUBL-0086-019

by Isaac Gilsemans

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page

John Wilson, European discovery of New Zealand – Abel Tasman, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/artwork/1406/tasmans-first-view-of-new-zealand (accessed 7 June 2026).

Story by John Wilson, published 4 March 2009, updated 1 May 2016.