In 1873 and extended family of poverty stricken farmers from a remote Norwegian farm took their lives in their hands and emigrated to New Zealand. Seventeen year old Johanna and her lover Christian dreamt of a prosperous new life. Through Johanna"s eyes we see the daunting reality that was grinding poverty, imprenetrable bush, loneliness and years of back-breaking toil as they carved lives and homes. Based on a true story.