Huge swells in the Southern Ocean and a bout of seasickness did not detract from the ‘‘trip of a lifetime'' for two Dunedin school pupils.
The HMNZS Otago arrived in Dunedin on Friday carrying Aidan Braid (17) and Sam Kilsby (17) and 12 other school pupils from around the country who had been on a Young Blake Expedition to the Auckland Islands.
The pupils were involved in the two-week conservation adventure after being selected from hundreds of applicants by the Sir Peter Blake Trust.
‘‘It's just been a trip of a lifetime,'' Sam said. ‘‘I did actually [get seasick] on the first day [but] it's definitely something I would recommend,'' he said of the voyage.
The pupils were helping with conservation efforts in the subantarctic islands along with five scientists - four from the University of Otago - and navy crew members.
As well as the wildlife and conservation tasks, Sam had enjoyed ship life and the camaraderie and friendships he made.
‘‘I think we're a really tight-knit group now. It's going to be sad to split that up.''
The ship left Devonport, Auckland, on February 2 and arrived at the Auckland Islands four days later.
Sam, who attends Otago Boys' High School, did a ‘‘polar plunge'' into the Southern Ocean.
Aidan, of Logan Park High School, said the trip was ‘‘absolutely incredible''.
‘‘It's so weird seeing ... civilisation,'' he said. ‘‘It's weird to be back but it's nice to be home. I loved it.''
The sleeping arrangements were ‘‘interesting'', due to the cramped conditions, he said.
The crew were ‘‘actually really nice'' despite having a ‘‘serious side''.
‘‘I've taken every opportunity to learn as much as I can. I've learnt so much,'' he said.
Programme manager Jacob Anderson said all the teenagers enjoyed the experience and some got upset on the approach to Dunedin, overwhelmed with the experience. A debrief and farewell dinner was held last night.
The main purpose of the voyage was to set up a research centre to monitor wildlife and the changing conditions in the area, Mr Anderson said. It was hoped there would be annual voyages.
The Otago would be in Dunedin for four days before heading back to Devonport via Fiordland and Nelson.
