Scarce and detailed c.19th hand coloured engraved map of New Zealand. A finely executed chart of New Zealand dedicated to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, compiled and engraved by the prominent London geographer and map publisher James Wyld. Based on the most recent official and colonial surveys available at mid-century, the map presents the islands in considerable topographical detail, showing coastal soundings, settlements, rivers, and mountain ranges, together with administrative divisions and principal harbours. Issued at a time of expanding British colonial administration and immigration, Wyld’s chart reflects the growing cartographic precision and imperial interest in the region.
This map of new Zealand is an example of the so-called McDonnell-Wyld of New Zealand. The chart was originally compiled by the early New Zealand trader Lieutenant Thomas McDonnell, and published by James Wyld in London. The McDonnell-Wyld map, first published in 1834, is one of the most important and influential early maps of New Zealand, as prior to its publication the only single-sheet general chart of New Zealand issued was an unnumbered Admiralty chart published in 1816. Between 1834 and 1870, the map was issued in at least 27 different states, showing the evolution of New Zealand’s early exploration and settlement. As a series, the maps graphically illustrate the vast changes between 1834 and the 1860s. The map shows Eaheinomauwe or North Island, Tavai Poenammoo or Middle Island, Stewart’s Island. Includes seven insets showing ports and places of interest, including ‘Plan of Victoria [now Waitangi] showing position of tent in which the chiefs signed the Treaty. Source, Auckland Council Library.
Includes numerous insets:
Plan of the entrance to Port Manoukao.
Plan of the bar and part of the Hokianga River Scale
Plan of Victoria Bay of Islands New Zealand. surveyed by Lieut. Chaffers, R.N. ; by permission of the New Zealand Land Company
Oyerri or Pelorus River. surveyed by Lieut. Chaffers, R.N; by permission of the New Zealand Land Company
Port Nicholson. Scale
Plan of Southern Port, Stewarts Island. S
Plan of Dusky Bay.
Notes:
Map of New Zealand with notes on the topography and the numbers of men in each district capable of bearing arms.
Plan of Port Nicholson and Oyerri by permission of the New Zealand Land Company. “To the Committee of the Church Missionary Society the publisher is deeply indebted for the valuable information kindly communicated by them. And also to the New Zealand Land Company for the use of their valuable surveys.”
