Story: European exploration

Brunner’s West Coast journeys, 1846–48

Brunner’s West Coast journeys, 1846–48

In March 1846, Thomas Brunner, Charles Heaphy and Kehu left Nelson to explore the south-west. They travelled along the coast and eventually reached Taramakau. On 11 December that year, Brunner, accompanied by Māori guides Kehu and Pikewate and their wives, set off on the longest feat of exploration in New Zealand history. The party were away for almost 18 months. They endured constant wet weather and frequent periods of starvation. The routes they took are marked on this map.

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How to cite this page:

Jock Phillips, 'European exploration - Thomas Brunner, Nelson and the West Coast', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/map/11264/brunners-west-coast-journeys-1846-48 (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Jock Phillips, published 24 Sep 2007