Early New Zealand Timeline By kmb94 Jan 1, 1642 Tasman visits New Zealand Period: Jan 1, 1642 to Dec 31, 1899 New Zealand History Apr 12, 1769 Cook's first visit to New Zealand Jan 1, 1788 Hunters start hunting whales in the Pacific Jan 1, 1792 First sealing gang landed Jan 1, 1809 Massacre of the crew of 'The Boyd' Jan 1, 1814 Samual Marsden lands to set up the first Anglican Mission Jan 1, 1828 Death of Hongi Hika Feb 6, 1840 Signing of the Treaty of Waitangi Jan 1, 1841 Auckaland becomes the capital of New Zealand