Captain Cook 250 years ago, in October 1769 James Cook and botanist Joseph Banks were aboard the first European vessel to reach New Zealand since 1642. The Māori people were unfamiliar with large ships and they thought that the Endeavour was a floating island or a gigantic bird. Cook sailed the Endeavour close to the shore for six months, allowing him to chart the coastline. He realised that New Zealand was made up of two large islands. He also proved that New Zealand was not part of the great southern continent. Cook went ashore in March 1770 and formerly claimed New Zealand for the British Sovereign. To celebrate this event we have just published a detailed comprehension on Captain Cook, as part of our Great Events comprehension category. There is also a factsheet available in our Factual Writing category which is a great starting point for children to carry out further research and complete their own writing on Captain Cook. We have also just sub-divided this category as it was getting quite large, hopefully making it much easier to find the resources you want. Go to English: Comprehensions: Great Events Go to English: Writing: Factual Writing