In 1915 four kids try to stop the arsonist who is terrifying their small New Zealand town, but no one believes them. Based on the novel by Maurice Gee.

A young woman searches for her identity by joining a "free love" hippie commune, against the wishes of her darkly possessive widowed father. The tensions of small town New Zealand and individual conflicts generated by intolerance and fear, unleashes forces of violence and betrayal.

A strange warning is followed by near disaster when a speedboat slices John's surfboard in half as his friends look on in horror. His curiosity aroused, John involves himself, his family, and friends in the bizarre mystery surrounding a silent trawler. But his curiosity may get him killed... when a ruthless smuggling ring, with $5,000,000 at stake, makes the situation even more dangerous!

Follow the Bishop family through 40 years of Christmases from 1949 to 1989.

The family have come to Wellington, New Zealand for a combined holiday and business trip. They are met by Bill's friend, another agent, called Dennis.