Early NZ Exploration

Kupe and Captain James Cook are 2 important explorers in New Zealand history. 

Kupe arrived in New Zealand in the 1100's. He travelled by traditional methods on a traditional sail boat. Myth has it Kupe followed a giant octopus to New Zealand. He did this voyage to find new land for his people to live. His wife named NZ Aotearoa after seeing the mountains and the clouds.

Captain James Cook is a British explorer. He started his jorney to New Zealand In 1768. He came to map the area and to trade with the Maori. He sailed to New Zealand with his crew on a ship called the Endeavour.    

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.