Abel Tasman Introduction
Tasman was a Dutch explorer who is credited with discovering and naming New Zealand in 1642. He was the first European to sight the country's southern coast, making significant contributions to the understanding of the Pacific region during his time. Tasman's exploration of New Zealand was part of a larger expedition that also included mapping the coasts of Australia and New Guinea. He arrived in New Zealand on November 14, 1642, and named the country after the Dutch maritime province of Zeeland. Tasman's exploration was significant in the history of New Zealand and the broader Pacific region, as it helped to establish trade routes and explore new territories.
