Old Map of New Zealand by Stanford, 1887: Auckland, Wellington, Southern Alps, Stewart Island, Counties

Discover the allure of 19th-century cartography with the exquisite "New Zealand" map, crafted by the esteemed Edward Stanford in 1887. This masterpiece, part of Stanford's renowned London Atlas, captures the geographical and political landscape of New Zealand with meticulous detail. Each county is distinctly colored, offering a vivid portrayal of the nation's diverse regions. The map's intricate design and historical significance make it a captivating piece for any collector or enthusiast of vintage cartography.

Edward Stanford, a luminary in the world of mapmaking, was celebrated for his precision and artistry. His maps were a staple in Victorian England, providing explorers, scholars, and the public with accurate and beautifully rendered depictions of the world. This map of New Zealand is a testament to Stanford's dedication to quality and detail, reflecting his passion for capturing the essence of a place through cartography.

The map showcases New Zealand's North and South Islands, highlighting the natural beauty and geographical features that define the country. The Southern Alps stretch majestically across the South Island, while the surrounding Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea frame the nation's coastline. This map not only serves as a geographical guide but also as a historical snapshot of New Zealand's landscape in the late 19th century.

Prominent cities such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are marked, offering a glimpse into the urban centers of the time. Smaller towns and settlements, like Dunedin and Nelson, add depth to the map, illustrating the spread of human habitation across the islands. These details provide a fascinating look at the development and growth of New Zealand's communities during this era.

The historical significance of this map extends beyond its visual appeal. It provides valuable insights into the political boundaries and settlements of New Zealand in 1887, making it an essential resource for historians and collectors alike. Whether displayed as a work of art or studied for its historical context, this map is a remarkable representation of New Zealand's past, brought to life through the skillful craftsmanship of Edward Stanford.

Cities and towns on this map

• New Zealand:
• Auckland
• Wellington
• Christchurch
• Dunedin
• Hamilton
• Napier
• Nelson
• Invercargill
• New Plymouth
• Wanganui
• Palmerston North
• Gisborne

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of water:
• Pacific Ocean
• Tasman Sea
• Mountains:
• Southern Alps
• Islands:
• Stewart Island
• Borders:
• County boundaries are clearly marked.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: New Zealand
• Date of creation: 1887
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Edward Stanford
• Design/Style:
• Classic 19th-century cartographic style with detailed coloring and labeling.
• Historical significance:
• Provides insight into the geographical and political landscape of New Zealand during the late 19th century.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.