Primary sourceDocument1770

Chart of New Zealand, explored in 1769 and 1770

James Cook · 1770

Cook's engraved chart of New Zealand's coastline, drawn from his own survey during the first voyage.

Cook surveyed and drew this chart himself while circumnavigating New Zealand on his first voyage.

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Engraved sea chart titled 'Chart of New Zealand, explored in 1769 and 1770' by Lieut. J. Cook, Commander of His Majesty's Bark Endeavour. Shows North and South Islands with coastal names, soundings, compass roses, and a rhumb-line grid. Title and an explanation box appear at top. — James Cook, Chart of New Zealand, explored in 1769 and 1770, 1770. British Library.

About this source

What it is

This engraved sea chart was made by James Cook in 1770, based on his survey while commanding HMS Endeavour. It shows the North and South Islands of New Zealand with coastal names, soundings, and the ship's track from October 1769 to April 1770. It is held by the British Library.

Why it matters

By sailing right around New Zealand, Cook proved it was not part of a larger southern continent, as some had believed. The chart's accuracy, built from careful coastal surveying, shows Cook's skill as a navigator and cartographer and became a key reference for later European contact with New Zealand.

Look closer

What kinds of information did Cook choose to record on this chart, and what does that tell you about its purpose?
How might this chart have been used by people after Cook, and by whom?
What is missing from a chart like this — whose knowledge of the land is not included?

This document is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of James Cook on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.