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Incredible Facts

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Captain Cook's Second New Zealand Voyage

James Cook’s Second Voyage of Discovery to New Zealand and the Pacific occurred from 1772 till 1775.  During this time Cook sailed to New Zealand, around the Pacific and into the icy Antarctic waters becoming the first known ship to cross the Antarctic Circle.

Interesting Facts

On this second voyage Cook and his crew were asked to:

  • Discover and observe the natural history of New Zealand and the Pacific
  • Identify, draw and study new plants and animals
  • Continue the search for the Great Southern Continent
  • Sail the high latitudes (cold Antarctic waters) in search of land