Spanish explorer and navigator Captain Juan Fernández, the subject of debate over the first European contact with New Zealand, is thought to have been sailing a considerable distance off the west coast of South America heading towards Lima from Valparaíso when he was blown off course in a storm.

He is thought to have sighted land at the northeast corner of the south island of New Zealand around 1576, and to have sailed down the east coast of the south island but decided to sail north after not finding a decent place to lay anchor.

Sailing north, he supposedly found the north island and entered Wellington Harbour where he decided to set anchor.

Apparently he spent quite a while there and became friendly with the local Polynesian inhabitants and explored more of the north island.

He set sail back for Chile and had aspirations to return and establish a colony, but the idea was soon scrapped due to lack of interest by officials and the Spanish public.

Proof of the “expedition" includes records of the voyage and various relics of Spanish origin.

A Spanish helmet and cannon ball have been dredged up in Wellington Harbour where Fernández supposedly lay anchor.