In bondage to the powerful lairds of the Shetland Isles, Robert Johnson's only hope for a better future resides in the afterlife. But in 1874, everything changes when Colonial Treasurer, Julius Vogel, offers free passage to New Zealand. Robert and others flee Shetland with dreams of a better life. After a long sea voyage, they arrive safely at Nelson and are delighted when they win the opportunity to gain land in one of the Government's Special Settlement schemes. But hope is severely tested when they arrive on the shore of Karamea; a remote wilderness. Men from a barren land must now hue down gigantic trees before they can pitch their tents. In addition, Richard Hyland, the agent sent to help them, is incompetent. After many struggles, the Johnsons finally gain their promised land, only to discover it is infertile, and once again, they are ensnared in the truck system that they thought they had left behind. Their lives become bitter as winter progresses and they find themselves forced to work long hours on the Rough and Tumble Track, without adequate tools or clothing. Yet despite many setbacks, the Johnsons and their neighbours persevere and carve out a community and life. Truck is abolished, a dairy company formed, and they acquire a steamer. Then, when things are looking up, shipwreck and tragedy call the Johnsons to even greater depths of faith and courage.