Voyage Round the World

In this episode, Georg Forster takes us to the breathtaking island of Madeira, where the amphitheater-shaped city of Funchal dazzles with its whitewashed houses, lush vineyards, and historic castles.

Embark on a captivating journey into the 18th century as we follow Georg Forster aboard the HMS Resolution under the command of Captain James Cook. In this episode, the voyage begins in England, with the crew setting their sights on uncharted waters.

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.

In Episode 20 of the voyage, Georg Forster and the crew of the HMS Resolution sail through the remote northern Tuamotu Archipelago, catching sight of flat, palm-dotted atolls after weeks of open ocean. 

In Episode 21 of the Pacific voyage, the HMS Resolution runs aground off the coast of Tahiti, leading to a dramatic rescue—and an unforgettable series of encounters.

During their extended stay on Tahiti’s southern peninsula, the crew of the HMS Resolution made meaningful efforts to mend relations with the islanders after a tense confrontation. Their peace offering—returning two captured canoes—gradually restored trust and allowed trade to resume. Georg Forster and several officers explored the surrounding landscape, collecting plants and observing local customs.

They encountered a group of women crafting traditional bark cloth from mulberry trees using wooden hammers and hibiscus-based glue. Later, they were warmly welcomed by a Tahitian man who offered them a meal of breadfruit, coconuts, and Spondias apples—an act of hospitality that deeply impressed the visitors.

The group continued their walk into a secluded valley and discovered a breathtaking waterfall nestled among fragrant bushes and bright tropical flowers. Resting in the cool shade, they sketched and examined their botanical finds, surrounded by birdcalls and gentle breezes.

Later, they reunited with Mr. Hodges and Mr. Grindall, who were welcomed with joy by the local community. A young islander proudly carried Hodges' sketch portfolio, a symbol of trust. In a peaceful village hut, Georg witnessed a touching scene of Tahitian family life—marked by dignity, joy, and connection across generations. The locals affectionately renamed him "Teori."

A map of the locations of this episode

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 Episode 23, the HMS Resolution’s crew experiences a day rich in contrast and reflection.

During their final days in Tahiti, the crew of the HMS Resolution experienced a remarkable deepening of relationships with the island’s people and rulers. Trust, once fragile, began to grow.

In episode 25 of Voyage2Go History, the HMS Resolution returns to familiar shores, yet nothing feels routine.

In Episode 26 of the voyage, the HMS Resolution prepares to leave Tahiti—but not before a cascade of final events unfolds.