<P> European exploration and settlement of Oceania began in the 16th century , starting with Portuguese settling the Moluccas and Spanish ( Castilian ) landings and shipwrecks in the Marianas Islands , east of the Philippines , followed by the Portuguese landing and settling temporarily ( due to the monsoons ) in the Tanimbar or the Aru Islands and in some of the Caroline Islands and Papua New Guinea , and several Spanish landings in the Caroline Islands and New Guinea . Subsequent rivalry between European colonial powers , trade opportunities and Christian missions drove further European exploration and eventual settlement . After the 17th century Dutch landings in New Zealand and Australia , but not settling these lands , the British became the dominant colonial power in the region , establishing settler colonies in what would become Australia and New Zealand , both of which now have majority European - descended populations . New Caledonia ( Caldoche ) , Hawaii , French Polynesia , Norfolk Island , Easter Island and Guam also have significant European populations . Europeans remain a primary ethnic group in much of Oceania , both numerically and economically . </P>
<P> European exploration and settlement of Oceania began in the 16th century , starting with Portuguese settling the Moluccas and Spanish ( Castilian ) landings and shipwrecks in the Marianas Islands , east of the Philippines , followed by the Portuguese landing and settling temporarily ( due to the monsoons ) in the Tanimbar or the Aru Islands and in some of the Caroline Islands and Papua New Guinea , and several Spanish landings in the Caroline Islands and New Guinea . Subsequent rivalry between European colonial powers , trade opportunities and Christian missions drove further European exploration and eventual settlement . After the 17th century Dutch landings in New Zealand and Australia , but not settling these lands , the British became the dominant colonial power in the region , establishing settler colonies in what would become Australia and New Zealand , both of which now have majority European - descended populations . New Caledonia ( Caldoche ) , Hawaii , French Polynesia , Norfolk Island , Easter Island and Guam also have significant European populations . Europeans remain a primary ethnic group in much of Oceania , both numerically and economically . </P>
where did european colonization of australia and oceania begin
where did european colonization of australia and oceania begin
16th century
16th century