João Vaz Corte-Real was a Portuguese explorer in the 15th century. In 1472 he was granted lands on Terceira Island on the Acores because he had discovered Terra do Bacalhau. There is considerable speculation that this may have been Newfoundland. He was most likely accompanied by Didrik Pining, Hans Pothorst and John of Kolno. He was the father of Miguel and Gaspar Corte-Real.