The famous explorer who mapped much of the Pacific Ocean in the 18th century was Captain James Cook. He undertook three major voyages of exploration between 1768 and 1779, during which he charted vast areas of the Pacific, including New Zealand and the eastern coast of Australia. Cook's detailed maps and observations greatly advanced European knowledge of the region and contributed to scientific and navigational progress. His explorations facilitated the expansion of British interests in the Pacific and established international dialogues with indigenous populations, laying foundations for future interactions.