Abel Janszoon Tasman ( 1603 - 1659 ) was a Dutch sea explorer . He discovered Tasmania and New Zealand while on voyages in 1642 and 1644 , in the service of the VOC ( Dutch East India Company ) . Abel Janszoon Tasman ( ; 1603 â `` 10 October 1659 ) was a Dutch seafarer , explorer , and merchant , best known for his voyages of 1642 and 1644 in the service of the VOC ( United East India Company ) .