Early NZ Explorers

Kupe and Cook are two important explorers in New Zealand's history

Kupe arrived in NZ in the 1100's. He travelled by traditional methods on a traditional sailboat. He followed a giant Octopus. He did this voyage to find new land for this people to live. His wife named NZ Aotearoa after seeing mountains under the clouds.

Captain Cook found Aotearoa on the 6th of October 1769 . Captain Cook was sent by the royal navy. to map New Zealand.He travelled by his ship named Bark Endeavour. He got to the distance by following the birds.

Kupe is important because he was the first documented person in NZ. Cook is important because he mapped NZ and opened it up to the world to access.