DVD: Journeys Across Latitude 45 Degrees South
The 25th Anniversary Edition
190mins approx, PAL Region 0 (worldwide)

From the makers of the acclaimed Wild South Series comes the 25th Anniversary DVD Edition of Journeys Across Latitude 45 Degrees South.  Twenty-five years ago, presenter Peter Hayden made a unique 4-part TV documentary that followed his journey along Latitude 45 Degrees South- crossing from the east to the west coast of southern New Zealand.  Peter explored the impact man had on the landscape, and dug deep into history to understand how the land affected their lives. 

This is one man's view of New Zealand - 25 years ago.

Part 1: Changes
Peter Hayden's journey begins on the East Coast of the South Island; north of Oamaru, and ends at Dansey's Pass.  of all the landscapes along Latitude 45 Degrees, the plains and downland of North Otago are the most drastically changed by humans.

Part 2: A Little Continental
Central Otago is mild compared to Russia's Gobi Desert, on 45 Degrees North, yet Central Otago has a climate of extremes.  In this curious land of mining relics and weather beaten farmers, wildflowers and gold, lizards and rabbits, all living things must cope with its harsh environment.

Part 3: Old Gold New Gold
Peter follows in the footsteps of the early Maori into the Cromwell Gorge.  For the Maori, greenstone was gold; for Europeans real gold was the lure, and now tourism is the new gold.  In this episode, wine growing, deer farming and overseas tourism are in their infancy.  Little did Peter know there was still gold in those mined-out hills.

Part 4: Atuwhenua - Shadowland
Towards the setting sun and the end of the journey, the land along Latitude 45 Degrees South grows more ancient.  Neither Maori nor European has changed Fiordland very much and ancient species found their last refuge here.  It's the end of the line for Peter, on land at least, at Latitude 45 Degrees South he can go no further.