European discovery

Visit DOC sites where you can learn more about the European explorers, sealers, whalers, missionaries and colonists who came to New Zealand.

The sites that DOC manages under this theme are:

Northland

Flagstaff Hill Historic Reserve, Maiki (Flagstaff) Hill, 1840
Marsden Cross Historic Reserve; Oihi, Bay of Islands, 1814
Moturua Island, Bay of Islands. Waipao Bay, campsite of Marion du Frense, May – July 1772
Okiato Historic Reserve, Bay of Islands. First NZ Colonial Government site, 1840
Kahuwera Pa Historic Reserve
Okuratope Pa Historic Reserve
Kororipo Heritage Park

Waikato

Sailor's Grave Historic Reserve, 1842

East Coast/Hawke’s Bay

Cook Landing Site National Historic Reserve, 1769; Obelisk, 1906; flagpole 1979, Gisborne

Nelson/Marlborough

Motuara Island Historic Reserve, 1770
Ship Cove Historic Reserve, Cannons, 1813
Ship Cove Historic Reserve, Ship Cove, 1770
Whariwharangi Hut, 1896

Canterbury

Dobson Memorial, Arthur’s Pass , 1936
Dr Sinclair's Grave Site, 1861
Transit of Venus Historic Reserve, Instrument Pedestals, 1874

Southland

Astronomers Point, Dusky Sound, 1773
German Scientific Expedition Site (transit of Venus), Auckland Islands ,1874

Related links

European discovery of New Zealand Te Ara Encyclpedia
Archeology Historic Places Trust