Around The World
New Zealand Timeline
Travel through our timeline of major events in New Zealand's history.
600 A.D. -1300 A.D.
The first inhabitants of New Zealand, the Maori, arrive from eastern Polynesia.1642
Dutch sailor Abel Janszoon Tasman becomes the first European to reach New Zealand.
GETTY IMAGES
1769
English explorer Captain James Cook makes the first of his three voyages to the islands. His journals inspire other Europeans to explore New Zealand.1840
The Maori sign the Treaty of Waitangi giving control to the British in exchange for protection and guaranteed Maori possession of their lands.1860
A decade of land wars begins between the Maoris and European settlers.
ALAMY
1861
Gold is discovered in Tuapeka. This leads to a gold rush.1893
New Zealand becomes the first country to give women the right to vote.1907
The country becomes a dominion, or self-governing community, within the British Eempire.1947
New Zealand gains independence from Great Britain.
TIME & LIFE PICTURES