Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Geoscientists have confirmed Zealandia, a continent hiding in plain sight for nearly 375 years. Covering 1.89 million square miles, it lay submerged beneath the waves, sparking excitement and reshaping our understanding of Earth's geography.
Over 500 million years ago, Zealandia was part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, alongside Antarctica and Australia. The slow, dramatic pull away from Gondwana remains a geological puzzle scientists are eager to solve.
Back in 1642, Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sought the fabled "Great Southern Continent." Though he didn’t find Zealandia, he encountered the Māori, who hinted at the existence of a massive landmass, setting the stage for future discovery.
Credit: Wikipedia
Unlike any other continent, 94% of Zealandia is underwater. This submerged wonder remained elusive for centuries, with only a few islands—like New Zealand—breaking the ocean’s surface to hint at the landmass below.
It took until 2017 for scientists to formally recognize Zealandia as a continent. Geologists, including Nick Mortimer from GNS Science, confirmed it wasn’t just a series of islands but a vast, coherent landmass lost beneath the sea.
Credit: GNS Science
The realization of Zealandia's existence was almost accidental. Nick Mortimer humorously noted how strange it was to uncover a continent in the 21st century, proving that even obvious geological features can remain hidden for ages.
Credit: GNS Science
Why Zealandia separated from Gondwana is still unknown. Geologist Rupert Sutherland highlights this tectonic enigma, pointing to mysterious forces that fractured and submerged this colossal landmass over millions of years.
Unlike other continents divided by multiple countries, Zealandia only has three territories: New Zealand, New Caledonia, and a scattering of small islands. It’s a continent with a minimal human footprint but a massive geological presence.
Long before Western explorers, the Māori spoke of Te Riu-a-Māui, hinting at Zealandia’s presence. Their ancient knowledge of the land helped frame early theories, blending cultural insights with modern scientific discovery.