1865, two young adventurers, Anna Wetherell and Emery Staines, meet on the last day of their voyage to New Zealand. They make a plan to reunite but are kept apart by agents with their own designs.

Lydia and Carver hatch a plan to free Carver from his convict past. Emery sets sail to the goldfields in search of Anna. In 1866, the results of Crosbie Wells’ autopsy are revealed.

Anna’s suspicion is aroused as Lydia prepares to host a party. Lauderback is blackmailed. In 1866, Crosbie Wells is buried.

1865, Emery and Anna have a disastrous reunion in Hokitika, Emery learns about Carver’s past and Quee makes a rewarding discovery. In 1866, hope is fading for Anna; in desperation she takes matters into her own hand.

1866, Emery is inexplicably wounded. A stranger arrives in town and interrupts a secret council between the men of Hokitika. The events from the night Crosbie Wells died are pieced together.

New evidence reveals a secret connection between Lauderback and Crosbie Wells. Emery is found. Moody, Anna and he concoct a defense to expose Lydia and Carver’s crimes.