Spectacular views, warm beaches, fresh waters, rocky mountains, cool steam - where did it all come from.
The country New Zealand dates back many years (approximately 700 years) from when it was discovered and inhabited by the Polynesians, who developed a distinct Maori culture on the land.
The first person to discover this beautiful land was Dutch navigator, Abel Tasman, on December 13, 1642. The Dutch were also the first non-natives to explore and chart New Zealand's coastline. Then, Captain James Cook, who reached New Zealand in 1769 of October on the first of his three voyages, was the first European explorer to circumnavigate and map New Zealand.
For further reading, go to http://www.stats.govt.nz/yearbooks or research "History of New Zealand"!