Elisabeth Easther discovers how much the islands of the Hauraki Gulf have changed since her mother visited them more than fifty years ago.
Elisabeth Easther explores the history of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, from Governor Grey's mansion on Kawau, to early Maori farms on Motutapu, to a Tiritiri Matangi lighthouse built in the 1860s.
Takahe, tuatara and Rua, a dog that sniffs out the burrows of endangered seabirds: Elisabeth Easther visits three islands in the Hauraki Gulf that are sanctuaries for many of our endangered species.
A singer who's a faith healer; successful grape growers who knew nothing about grapes; a charter fishing boat operator - Elisabeth Easther meets people who have an island niche in the Hauraki Gulf.
A walking track builder for thirty years, a part-time mermaid and a Welsh born bird photographer - Elisabeth Easther finds colourful and unusual people of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf.