One of the most famous explorers who visited Australia and New Zealand and then surveyed the Pacific coast of North America was Captain James Cook. Cook was a British explorer and navigator who is best known for his voyages in the late 18th century.

During his first voyage, from 1768 to 1771, Cook sailed to the South Pacific, where he charted the coast of New Zealand and the eastern coast of Australia. He also visited Tahiti and other islands in the region. Cook's second voyage, from 1772 to 1775, took him to the Antarctic Circle and the South Pacific, where he further explored and mapped the region.

It was during his third voyage, from 1776 to 1779, that Cook surveyed the Pacific coast of North America. He sailed along the coast from Northern California to the Bering Strait, mapping the coastline and making contact with the native peoples of the region. Cook's detailed charts and reports were instrumental in the eventual colonization of the west coast of North America by Europeans.

James Cook's voyages were not only important for their geographical discoveries, but also for their scientific contributions. Cook and his crew made significant contributions to the fields of cartography, botany, and anthropology during their travels.

If you would like to learn more about Captain James Cook and his voyages, you can visit the following websites for more information:

Encyclopedia Britannica - James Cook

National Geographic - James Cook

Overall, Captain James Cook was a pioneering explorer whose voyages had a lasting impact on the world. His travels to Australia, New Zealand, and North America helped to shape our understanding of the Pacific region and its peoples.

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