First Encounters

Europeans had no idea what they would find when they first set eyes on Aotearoa. First Encounters selects some of the key writings from these early traders, missionaries, explorers and surveyors ― covering nearly 200 years from Abel Tasman in 1642 and Joseph Banks in 1769, through to early settlers such as John Logan Campbell in 1840.

Their records of encounters with this new land and its Māori inhabitants reveal stories of wonder, curiosity, misunderstanding and adventure ― all with maximum interest and impact for modern readers.

The text is liberally illustrated with two-colour imagery and historical photos, alongside fact boxes explaining historical language and events.

Gordon Ell was a writer and publisher with a lifelong interest in New Zealand’s natural and historic heritage. He wrote more than 30 books for adults and children. Gordon passed away in April 2021.

Sarah Ell is an editor, writer, and journalist, who has written ten books, and inherited her father’s (Gordon Ell) love of New Zealand history and the environment. Ell lives in Auckland, New Zealand.