Finding Port Nicholson: a New Look at European Discovery and Naming Claims

Abstract

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, lies on the shores of Port Nicholson, on the southern end of North Island. It is an excellent harbour, and this article discusses the rival claims to its discovery by European mariners. From 1820, frequent emigrant and commercial voyages were made and in 1826 Port Nicholson was surveyed and a harbour plan published. Its location first appeared on a Pacific chart dated 1829. The article concludes that Port Nicholson was first discovered by John Day, master of the Wellington sealer in 1823-24.

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Filed under: Other (Nineteenth C) | Pacific
Subjects include: Miscellaneous