New Zealand

After months of battling relentless ice, freezing storms, and endless Antarctic darkness, the crew of the HMS Resolution finally turns north in search of refuge.

After months at sea, battling relentless ice and storms, the crew of the HMS Resolution finally reaches Dusky Bay, a secluded fjord in Fiordland, New Zealand.

In this episode, Georg Forster and the crew of the HMS Resolution continue their exploration of Dusky Bay in the remote fjords of Fiordland, New Zealand.

Georg Forster and the crew of the HMS Resolution continue their exploration of remote Dusky Bay at the southern tip of New Zealand—discovering a world of waterfalls, wildlife, and cautious human encounters.

During their extended stay in Dusky Bay, Captain Cook’s crew encountered moments of peace, awe — and subtle tension. This episode recounts a remarkable chain of events, from unexpected ceremonies to cautious cultural exchanges.

As the crew of the HMS Resolution prepares to leave Dusky Bay after six intense weeks, they reflect on a place that offers both hardship and sanctuary. 

In Episode 16 of the journey, the HMS Resolution leaves Dusky Bay and sails north along the rugged coast of New Zealand. The weather gradually improves, and the crew observes a noticeable rise in temperature.

In this episode, the HMS Resolution explores Queen Charlotte Sound in New Zealand’s South Island—returning to a place Captain Cook had first charted years earlier.

In this episode, the HMS Resolution prepares to leave Ship Cove in Queen Charlotte Sound. Before setting sail into the unknown waters of the South Pacific, Captain Cook and his crew welcome a group of Māori chiefs aboard. Among them is the impressive Teiratu, a tall, tattooed leader from the North Island whose eloquence and presence suggest a remarkable authority.

The meeting offers a rare moment of cultural diplomacy. Ceremonial greetings, speeches, and mutual gift exchanges mark the encounter. The chiefs wear rich cloaks lined with dog fur, and their double canoes are ornately carved—symbols of status and craftsmanship. The sailors are struck by the dignity and distinctiveness of their guests, as well as their physical size and commanding demeanor.

A map of the locations of this episode

The episode explores how these interactions reflect a society shaped by warfare, alliances, and leadership based on merit rather than lineage. Meanwhile, Cook introduces the chiefs to a hidden garden planted by his crew, hoping to leave behind a legacy of useful crops. As the ships finally set sail toward the uncharted middle latitudes of the South Sea, hope and skepticism about discovering the mythical southern continent accompany the explorers.

Join us for a chapter rich in diplomacy, cultural exchange, and the quiet departure from a land that had offered shelter, recovery—and new questions.

More Episodes of Voyage 2 Go History:

S1-E1: England: Departure around the world

S1-E5: Cape Colony: Ocean on Fire

S1-E9: Southern Ocean: Lost in the Ice

S1-E10: New Zealand: From Ice to Wilderness

S1-E16: New Zealand: Whirlwinds and Reunion

In June and July of 1773, Captain Cook and his crew ventured deep into the southern Pacific Ocean, navigating unpredictable winds, frigid temperatures, and endless seas.

After months of abundance and warmth among the tropical islands of the Pacific, the 33rd episode of our journey marks a turning point: the Resolution leaves Tongatapu and heads back toward the southern latitudes of New Zealand.

In this episode, the HMS Resolution approaches the dangerous Cook Strait but is forced to halt due to a violent storm.

A severed head, a grieving islander, and a snowfall that redefines the world—this episode captures one of the most haunting and thought-provoking chapters of the voyage.

Southern Lakes Air Rescue is more than an emergency service – it is the safety net for a region that promises adventure but, in an emergency, can become deadly without rapid help.