Abel Tasman Museum

What does a conch trumpet sound like? What does a 17th-century fire hose feel like? And why was a peppercorn once as expensive as a grain of gold? Set off on a journey of discovery through Lutjegast to find the answers to these questions, and join the seafarer Abel Tasman on an expedition.

Start your journey of discovery at the one and only Abel Tasman Museum. In this small museum, young and old alike can learn about Abel Tasman; a farmer’s son from Lutjegast who, thanks to his vast knowledge of maritime regions, became commander of the expedition tasked with finding ‘the great Southern Land’. In 1642–1643, Tasman charted New Zealand and Tasmania, and in 1644, parts of Northern Australia. In the museum, you’ll join the expedition and learn more about the treasures the Dutch East India Company (VOC) sought to trade in. Of course, your expedition will also take you past the Tasman Sea – the sea that has ensured Abel Tasman will be known everywhere for ever. There’s plenty for children to discover too. They can try out various musical instruments, imagine what it’s like to spend months at sea on a ship, or stroke a kiwi soft toy.

The museum’s enthusiastic volunteers are happy to tell you more about Abel Tasman’s extraordinary experiences. Thanks to their stories, the paintings and artefacts around you come to life. For example, listen to stories about life on board the ship whilst looking at the scale model of the Heemskerck. One of the most impressive stories relates to one of the most remarkable items in the museum’s collection: the large green jade stone found only in New Zealand. This stone is a gift of reconciliation received in 2017 from descendants of the New Zealand Māori tribe that Tasman encountered in 1642. Tasman had his ship’s trumpeter respond amiably to the Māori’s trumpet call, but this turned out to be a major misunderstanding. The Māori’s conch-shell trumpet signals were intended as a stern warning that they were defending their people and their land. A Dutch sloop carrying scouts was attacked, and there were fatalities. Nowadays, the bonds of friendship with New Zealand and the Māori are very strong. The stone stands as a lasting symbol of this, with great spiritual significance. Place your hands on the stone and feel connected to those you are thinking of.

There is also plenty to discover outside the museum. At the permanently accessible outdoor site ‘Lutje Batavia’, you’ll find large information panels detailing Abel Tasman’s voyages and adventures. Here, you’ll also learn about another notable figure from Lutjegast: Bernhard Johan van Prott, of the former Rikkerdaborg. Together, Van Prott and Tasman represent 100 years of remarkable history: Tasman was born in Lutjegast in 1603, and Van Prott died there exactly 100 years later, in 1703. Still not had your fill? ‘Lutje Batavia’ is also the starting point for short and long walks through the nature reserve between Lutjegast and Grootegast. Why not explore the adventurous Abel Tasman boot trail, for example? Along the way, you’ll see the boulder artwork De Baak, also known as ‘the Lutjegast lighthouse’, and ‘De Groene Dorpsploats’ with its playground, pond and sandy beach.

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