Once the early European explorers had determined the basic outline of the New Zealand islands, the few remaining coastal puzzles were solved by visiting sealers, whalers and those engaged in the early timber and flax trade. In 1804 the American sealer Owen F. Smith discovered Foveaux Strait, disproving James Cook’s idea that Stewart Island might be joined to the South Island.
European explorers - exploration of New Zealand
Early European explorers
Spanish and the Portuguese had an active presence in the Pacific from the early 16th century, but there is no firm evidence of Europeans reaching New Zealand before Abel Tasman in 1642. Nor is there evidence that Arab or Chinese ships (trading in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea) were ever off New Zealand's coast.
There was speculation that a terra australis incognita (unknown southern land) existed, but European presence in the Pacific remained well north of New Zealand before the mid 17th century.
