Journeys Across Latitude 45 Degrees South

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From the makers of the acclaimed Wild South Series comes the 25th Anniversary DVD Edition of JOURNEYS ACROSS LATITUDE 45 SOUTH. Twenty five years ago presenter Peter Hayden made a unique four-part television documentary that followed his journey along Latitude 45 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 his country - twenty five years ago.

Peter Hayden Latitude 45o South Remembered
Peter Hayden introduces this timeless series, and reflects on the changes to the land and the people, since he filmed this ambitious journey across New Zealand.

Part 1 Changes
Peter Haydens 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 45ý the plains and downland
of North Otago are the most drastically altered by humans.

Part 2 A Little Continental
Central Otago is mild compared to Russias Gobi Desert, on 45ý North, yet Central 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 45ý 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 45ý south he can go no further.

DVD also available at your local DVD retail outlet.

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