
While convalescing in New Zealand, British aristocrat Sir Charles Pemberton schemes to build a thermal spa in the town of Wainamu, but conflict ensues as the spa's planned location is on MÄori land. The action is seen through the eyes of youngsters: hotelierās son Tom, and Pembertonās granddaughter Sarah Jane; who - alongside an erupting volcano - will ultimately teach Sir Charles a lesson about colonial hubris.