When Te Rauparaha, and his hapū leave the overpopulated Kawhia harbour for Te Upoko o te Ika, the head of the fish, there are challenges in making the journey to new lands. It isn’t just his warriors, but women, children and elders who are travelling in the heke. Te Rauparaha and his people make alliances along the way, but also mortal enemies, which will have tragic consequences for Te Rauparaha personally.