Welcome to the Abel Tasman 370 website!

This website was set up in January 2012 as part of the commemorations that would take place over the following twelve months.

The AT370 commemoration marked Abel Tasman’s 1642/43 voyage of discovery that put New Zealand on the world map for the first time. Even more importantly, it also resulted in the first recorded meeting between Maori and people of another race – a meeting that took place in what is now known as Golden Bay, in the north-western corner of the South Island. For a summary of what unfolded click here.

Tasman’s voyage left remarkably detailed accounts in words and images of what they saw over a 3-week period between 13 December 1642 and 6 January 1643. His records are our country’s earliest recorded history, a starting point in the meeting of two worlds that deserves special respect.

One way of expressing that respect is by increasing awareness through special events, and 2012 was the opportunity to mark 370 years of shared history. Many people and organisations contributed, for which I express my warm appreciation. It was a remarkable year, and a great privilege to be part of it.

This AT370 website now becomes a record of commemorative events that took place in New Zealand between January 2012 and January 2013, as well as continuing to provide links to related sites and organisations.

I hope you will continue to enjoy the website, which will be maintained until December 2013. Please contact me if you have any suggestions or questions, or if you are interested in developing an ongoing website marking Abel Tasman’s role and New Zealand’s earliest history.

Penny Griffith
Coordinator | AT370