A free app for smartphones and tablets tells stories about one of the most dynamic and colourful periods of New Zealand’s history.

The six app-based tours of Northland – Path to Nationhood – look at some of our earliest events in history when Maori and Pakeha first met before the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. The series follows the Waikato War Driving Tour app, completed in partnership with Waikato Tainui Iwi to mark the 150th commemoration of the start of the Waikato Land Wars. 

Developed by Heritage New Zealand and My Tours, Path to Nationhood can be used anywhere once downloaded. It covers stories about mana, kidnappings, shootings, rough justice, mistaken identity, high politics, missionaries – and even New Zealand’s first dairy farmer.

“The app is like seeing history through new eyes," says Heritage New Zealand’s chief executive, Bruce Chapman.

"The trails enable people to tour sites in Northland where some of New Zealand’s earliest historical events occurred during one of the most frenetic and fascinating periods of our history – events that ultimately led to the establishment of a nation like no other,” 

As well as big moments in our history – like the signing of He Whakaputanga [the Declaration of Independence] and the 1831 letter to King William IV signed by 13 rangatira – the tours also tell stories of lesser-known people and events. 

These include the kidnapping of Tuki and Huru – two young rangatira who were taken against their will to Norfolk Island where they were expected to teach convicts flax-weaving.

Being young rangatira – and men – they knew very little about working flax, traditionally women’s work. Embarrassed, Governor Philip King personally ensured that the two rangatira were returned safely home.

There are also light-hearted stories, such as the one about missionary Hannah King who saw her worst nightmare come true when the family’s sole remaining turkey devoured her last thimble after she dropped it.

Facing the prospect of not being able to mend clothes, and with supplies long overdue from Sydney, Hannah grasped the turkey in one hand, made a neat slot in its crop, retrieved the thimble and then stitched up the greedy bird with her trusty needle and thread.

“The app tours contain a great collection of stories that cleverly convey a sense of wild frontier, which was the reality of life in New Zealand at that time,” says Mr Chapman.

“The tours make this incredible period of our history come alive. Many centre around our fantastic heritage destinations in Northland, so people can actually visit places where many of these people lived.”

Written and researched by former Heritage New Zealand staff member Stuart Park, with Professor Manuka Henare and his team at the University of Auckland School of Business providing a Maori cultural and historical perspective, the tours incorporate audio using actors like Tui Ruwhiu and Michael Hurst, as well as sound effects. 

A built-in share function allows people using the app to take a selfie on the road and share it with friends, family and fellow travellers as mobile connectivity allows. 

• For a free download of the Path to Nationhood suite of Northland tours visit heritage.org.nz/apps or search for Heritage Trails through your online app store.