New Zealand, 1893: William Martyn is better educated and more sophisticated than the usual clientele who have come in search of gold to Queenstown. No wonder, because Will is the son of Irish land-owner. The spirited Elaine falls in love with him, and he does not seem averse to the prospect, but then comes the Kura-Maro-Tini to visit Elaine's half-Māori cousin, whose exotic nature and beauty makes William fall immediately in love.
