The association of the Royal Navy with New Zealand began with the arrival of Lieutenant (later Captain) James Cook in 1769, who completed two subsequent journeys to New Zealand in 1773 and 1777.
Royal Navys engagement i New Zealand begyndte ved ankomsten af løjtnant (senere kommandør) James Cook i 1769, som foretog to rejser til New Zealand i henholdsvis 1773 og 1777.