Heritage Trails

Enjoy the Path to Nationhood suite of Northland tours.

See history through new eyes: prepare to be shocked, amazed and amused!

Download the Heritage Trails app free of charge. Enjoy the Path to Nationhood suite of Northland Tours and the Christchurch archaeology tour: Public Houses, Private Lives. Experience the heart and soul of early New Zealand’s Northland, where Māori and Pakeha first met, traded, philosophised, fought, loved – and established a nation like no other.

Many people know the Treaty of Waitangi is New Zealand’s founding document – but how did it come about?

When Pākehā first arrived they found a dynamic Māori society that was very much a going concern – and loaded with opportunity. Before long missionaries came, along with whalers, traders, vagabonds, soldiers, governors, land-grabbers, politicians, gentle-folk and the ‘scum of the earth’ – all of whom made their presence felt as they settled in the Bay of Islands and beyond.

The contact and interaction between Māori and this diverse group of people are part of the journey that led to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in February 1840.

Explore these stories and places for yourself through a series of fun, interactive tours. Just download any of the six tours that take your interest, and follow the trail. Join the tours at any point on the itinerary and pick up the story from there – that way you can incorporate your other holiday activities with your journey; whether it’s visiting Heritage New Zealand’s amazing historic places in Northland, boating in the fabulous Bay of Islands or exploring the stunning Hokianga Harbour…

Although this is designed to help visitors to Northland see these important places, if you can’t visit just yet, you can do the tours at home, on the bus or even on your way to work or school. In fact, do them anywhere. See our history through new eyes – you’ll never look at it the same way again!