New research reveals that a recently discovered 600 year-old canoe in New Zealand is linked to Polynesian seafarers. 

New Zealand was first discovered by Polynesian sailors that later colonized the land around 1200 CE. This canoe, however, provided clues as to how Polynesians used wind technology to power their sea craft and travel thousands of kilometers over the Pacific Ocean.

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These simple wooden canoes helped the first human settlers reach distant Pacific islands with the help of favorable winds. Shifting wind patterns helped propel these canoes and paved way for Polynesians to discover new territories and promote their culture.

The canoe remnants, dating back to 1400 CE, were discovered in New Zealand's South Island near the Anaweka estuary half submerged in a sand dune.

The canoe is about 65 feet long. A unique plank technology was used to construct the Polynesian canoe, which was made from black pine

Archaeologists said the canoe was far more advanced in design compared to those used by the first European settlers that came to New Zealand later on..

As scientists analyzed data from tree ring samples and sediments from the canoe, they further understood what kinds of boats and seafaring technology Polynesians applied during their travels.

The team was also able to recreate the canoe's structure using a computer simulation. This simulation led scientists to estimate the canoe was built between 800 CE to 1600 CE.

These ancient Polynesian sailors used a specific wind pattern to travel long distances across the ocean for decade. Shortly after 1300 CE, however, the wind patterns stopped, making ocean travel more challenging.

Scientists are further investigating if this pivotal change in wind pattern hindered the Polynesians from travelling across the world.

This study was published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Tags600 Year Old Canoe in New Zealand Reveals Ancient Polynesian Sailing Technology, canoes polynesian sailors seafaring, new zealand