1700 - 1800

1700s

Ngāi Tahu settlements exist at several places in Canterbury, including Kaiapohia (Kaiapoi), Rapaki, Ripapa Island, Akaroa and Birdlings Flat.

1770

February 16

Captain James Cook in the "Endeavour" sights Banks "Island" (Peninsula).

1796

October 26

Whaling ship "Mermaid" sights Kaikoura Mountains.