When gold prospectors pour into Otago from the Yukon, California, and Ballarat, there are all sorts - gamblers and innocents, rogues and speculators, partners in chance from all nations, seeking pay-dirt in the exciting new colony of New Zealand.

Amongst them is Johnny Rogan, 18, seeking his fortune thousands of miles from home. His fate and fortune are linked to the publican's beautiful daughter, Lily Owens; Henry Garrick, a rogue with a heart-of-gold; and the small township of Dunstan.