Set in 1900, a small town is the backdrop for this award-winning 13-part childrens drama series about a group of children living in Wainamu, a thermal region in the centre of New Zealand.

The story portrays the conflict between the world of the Maori and the white settlers when Sir Charles Pemberton arrives from the United Kingdom on advice from his doctor, and has an idea to build a health spa on Maori land.

A friendship grows between local lad Tom, the son of the owner of the hotel where Sir Charles stays, and Sarah Jane, Sir Charles' grand-daughter.

Meanwhile a local villain is brought to justice, the Maori foretell a catastrophe, and a volcano erupts, showing the danger of interfering with Maori land.

"Children of Fire Mountain" received the Feltex Television Award in 1980 for Best Drama and Best Script.  Terence Cooper received Best Actor for his role as Sir Charles Pemberton.

Now you can enjoy once again this charming period production, the DVD having been released for the first time in 2010. 

Written by Roger Simpson.

NB: Picture and sound quality is subject to the quality of the dated production source.