On getting out into the strait a very strong current nearly drove them on to a small island, the anchor would not hold, and only a change in the current, probably caused by the tide, saved them.  The southern point of the North Island was named “Cape Pallisser, in honour of my worthy friend, Captain Pallisser,” and the north point of the South Island was called Cape Campbell, after Captain John Campbell, F.R.S., who had been one of Cook’s strongest supporters as Observer for the Royal Society.

When through the straits Cook was turning south, but finding some of his people were not quite satisfied as to the part they had passed being an island, he took a northerly course till Cape Turnagain was recognised, when he at once went about for the south.  Banks says: 

“At this time there were two parties on board, one who wished that the land in sight might, and the others that it might not, prove to be a continent.  I myself have always been most firm in the former wish, though sorry I am to say that my party is so small that there are none heartily of it than myself, and one poor midshipman, the rest begin to sigh for roast beef.”

The east coast was followed down to Banks Peninsula, which was at first thought might be an island, and is marked by dotted lines as doubtful in Cook’s chart, when Gore thought he had seen land to the east, and Cook, though convinced it was a mistake, ran out to make sure.  On returning the winds proved contrary, and their progress was very slow, but they several times succeeded in running close in to the land, and from what they could see concluded it was very barren, with high ranges in the interior and with very few evidences of inhabitants.  A favourable breeze springing up from the north, they tried to make the most of it, “and by that means carried away the main topgallant mast and fore topmast steering-sail boom, but these were soon replaced by others.”  A high bluff was named after Admiral Saunders, and near were several bays, “wherein there appear’d to be anchorage and shelter from South-West, Westerly, and North-West winds.”  One of these is now Otago Harbour, the port of Dunedin.

The traps.

On 26th February it blew hard from west-south-west, so they stood southward.  They lost the fore-sail, and then the wind moderated, only to come on with increased fury about daylight, when their main topsail went.  The storm continued for forty-eight hours, and half that time they lay to, heading south.  After being lost for seven days the land was again sighted near Cape Saunders, and at night a large fire was seen on shore.  On 6th March, being satisfied that he had passed the south point of the island, Cook altered his course to the west, and nearly ran on some partially submerged rocks a few miles to the south-east of Stewart Island, to which he gave the suggestive name of the Traps.  They were again blown off, but picked up the land again at the western end of Foveaux Straits.  Again they had to run off, returning to near Dusky Bay, which he wished to enter as he thought it looked a likely harbour, but the difficulty of getting out again and consequent waste of time prevented him.  Off Cape Foulwind—­suggestive name—­they were again blown out to sea, but soon recovered their position, and Cook describes the land: