Q: From the 1790s, the waters around New Zealand were visited by British, French and American whaling, sealing and trading ships. Their crews traded European goods, including guns and metal tools, for Maori food, water, wood, flax and sex. Maori were reputed to be enthusiastic and canny traders, even though the levels of technology, institutions and property rights differed greatly from the standards in European societies. Although there were some conflicts, such as the killing of French explorer Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne in 1772 and the destruction of the Boyd in 1809, most contact between Maori and European was peaceful.

Answer this question: when did the british came to new zealand?
A: the 1790s
Explain how we arrive at this answer:
Explanation: The important part for answering this question is: From the 1790s, the waters around New Zealand were visited by British, French and American whaling, sealing and trading ships.