The Mountain

Eleven-year-old Sam has cancer and in her hospital room she dreams of climbing Mount Taranaki. She is sure to be descended from this mountain and that it can save her life if she makes it to the top and pays her respects. With the help of her friend Peachy, Sam runs away from hospital and begins her journey. On the way, the girl meets Mallory, whose mother has died of cancer and who wants to climb Taranaki in her honour on her birthday. With equipment from Malloryʼs family, the two girls set off for their stopover, Pouakai, a mountain near Taranaki. They soon realise that someone is following them: Bronco, Malloryʼs neighbour. He joins them on his mission to clear the environment of rubbish. The three of them quickly become close friends and battle their way to Taranaki. Not only do they have to look out for each other, they also have to make sure that their parents don’t catch up with them because they are not happy about the childrenʼs adventure and are hot on their heels.