Heartland - High Country: Autumn Muster

In this 1995 episode of the much-loved Heartland, presenter (and "townie") Annie Whittle visits the South Island's high country — the elevated, pastoral land that includes the stunning Southern Alps. Whittle is kept busy learning about the agricultural industries, the history of small townships such as Twizel and Mount Cook Village, and mountaineering on Aoraki Mount Cook. Much of her trip centres on the autumn muster, when farmers herd sheep across the beautiful pastures on horseback. It also includes rich debate, as the locals freely discuss the issues of tourism, capitalism and conservation that affect their home. 

You can even get a double straight cappuccino in this new Twizel. Half close your eyes, and you could be on Ponsonby Road. All traces of the town's rough-and-ready roots are being carefully erased, or most of them, we are still on the edge of the high country.

– Host Annie Whittle on the "new" Twizel

Key Cast & Crew

Swami Hansa

Cinematographer

Dermot McNeillage

Editor

William Grieve

Producer

Ken Sparks

Director

Annie Whittle

Presenter

Bruce Morrison

Series Director