The Sir Peter Blake Trust ambassadors recently spent a month based in Dunedin doing conservation work for the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust and Department of Conservation.
Danni Cullen (22) and Samantha Collings (20), both of Auckland, got more than they bargained for when they found out they had been accepted for the ambassadorial programme and were headed south to work with penguins.
''For both of us, this was as far south as we've ever been,'' Miss Collings, who is completing a bachelor of science and commerce degree, said.
The pair were immersed in the summer's penguin monitoring programme, going out day after day, in rain or sunshine, to check nests and tag penguins along Otago's coast and on Codfish Island.
''We got to see so many parts of the conservation effort. It was tough, hard in the field, but very rewarding. We're certainly stronger and fitter for it.''
Helping take part in the surgery was part of an amazing experience, the pair said, as they saw the penguin from rescue through to release.
''It was one of the most intense things. To get to watch them recover at Penguin Place [on Otago Peninsula]. It reflected our journey,'' she said.
Miss Cullen, said: ''As volunteers, we help out as much as we can.
It was cool to know our actions were helping. We actually did something with an impact we can see.''
For Miss Cullen, who has just graduated with a bachelor of science degree, her most special experience was the day she saw a penguin come in to feed her chicks on a nest at Penguin Place.
After returning to Auckland, the pair would spread the word about penguin conservation through presentations to community groups.
Miss Cullen would also be producing a series of videos about their experience.
Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust general manager Sue Murray said having young people involved and at such a busy time of year was really positive.
''They were thrown in the deep end, but they've been really fantastic to work with.''
Doc conservation services manager David Agnew said it was great to be involved in the programme and to help co-ordinate their experience.
''We're very pleased at the support and willingness of everyone to help host these girls.''
