1969 NZ Souvenir Coin Set

New Zealand 1969 Coin Set UNC

Prior to 1769 the only knowledge of New Zealand by the civilised world was sketchy recording of parts of the western coastline. These were made during the passing visit of the Dutch explorer Abel Janzoon Tasman in 1642. The hostility of the natives prevented a landing.
1769. Extracts from the log of H.M. bark 'Endeavour" commander Lt. James Cook.
"Saturday 7th October. Gentle breezes and settled weather. At 2 p.m. saw land from the mast head bearing WBN which we stood directly for and could but just see at sunset. Monday 9th October. I went ashore with a party of men in the Pinnace and yawl accompanied by Mr Banks and Dr Solander, we landed abreast of the ship and on the east side of the river..."

Thus the rediscovery of New Zealand.

THE COMMEMORATIVE DOLLAR IN THIS COIN SET RECORDS THE HISTORIC OCCASION
James Cook's own chart of New Zealand with the route sailed by the 'Endeavour' is the central motif. This amazingly accurate map, after one visit, is possibly Cook's greatest achievement during his three voyages of discovery in the Pacific. To the lower right H.M. bark "Endeavour" is shown off Young Nick's Head, the point of land first sighted from the mast head by Nicholas Young and named after him by Cook. A small profile portrait of Cook appears to the left of his chart of New Zealand...

This above information comes from the card provided more information on each coin is available on the other side.