In this first episode of Shoreline, the small settlement of Hōkio Beach, outside of Levin, endures a fortnight of big crowds turning up to hunt toheroa. In Lowry Bay, Wellington, shipping vessel Te Aroha sails her last journey to Golden Bay. Then a talking seal introduces Marineland — a hospital for injured gannets, gulls and gutsy penguins. Included are readings by late poet Denis Glover. The series was produced by independent production company Pacific Films. Gaylene Preston's pieces on the toheroa (including the animation) and Marineland marked her first directing assignments for television.