Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman was a 17th-century Dutch explorer known for being the first European to reach New Zealand and for his expeditions in the South Pacific. In 1642, he set sail under the Dutch East India Company and encountered the Māori people upon his arrival, which led to a hostile interaction and ultimately a retreat from the region. Tasman's explorations were significant in mapping the coastlines of Australia and New Zealand, and he is recognized as the namesake of Tasmania.