Story: European discovery of New Zealand

The Astrolabe in French Pass

The Astrolabe in French Pass

The last of the French explorers who contributed to the growing body of knowledge about New Zealand was J. S. C. Dumont d’Urville. He made the dramatic navigation in January 1827 of his ship the Astrolabe through French Pass. This painting is by the artist Louis Auguste de Sainson, who accompanied Dumont d’Urville.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: B-052-004
Hand-coloured lithograph by Alfred-leon Lemercier

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.

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How to cite this page:

John Wilson, 'European discovery of New Zealand - French explorers', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/1440/the-astrolabe-in-french-pass (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by John Wilson, published 8 Feb 2005, updated 1 May 2016