This is the first edition of Zatta's map of New Zealand, with a complete map of the two islands' coastlines. Zatta closely copied Cook's original chart, first published in the account of his voyages in 1773, which Zatta attributes in a note at bottom right. The chart shows the track of the Endeavour from Cook's first voyage, with dates and soundings. The interior of the islands reflects the mountainous topography. Zatta has added a lovely vignette to the title cartouche, typical of his style. Engraved by G. Zuliani and Giovanni Battista Pasquali.

Capt. James Cook sailed from England in 1768 on his ship the Endeavour on his first round-the-world voyage visiting islands in the Pacific before sighting New Zealand's north & south islands and the strait that divides them, which he named Cook's Strait. Between 1769-1770 Cook sailed around both islands, proving that they were independent of the Great Southern Continent, which was what navigators had believed since Abel Tasman discovered the land mass in 1642. This finely engraved map was taken from a sketch brought back to London by Cook in 1771, which was published in English in London by Cadell & Strahan in 1773, and in French in Paris in 1774.

References: Tooley (Australia) p. 176 #1433, plate 104.

Condition: B+

Full contemporary color on a clean bright sheet with watermarks of three crescent moons and a large coat of arms with the initials "AZ." There is light toning along the centerfold. There are a few minor tears and chips along the far edges of the sheet.