The excitement and anticipation is written all over Olivia Jay and Patricia Harrison's faces. Like children waiting for Christmas, these two young women couldn't wait to board the HMNZS Canterbury and set sail for the Kermadec Islands.
Hamilton News caught up with the pair before they left port on Wednesday for the 12-day expedition.
Olivia, of Waikato Diocesan School for Girls, and Hillcrest High School's Patricia have joined 28 other young voyagers from around the country as part of the Young Blake Expedition, run by the Sir Peter Blake Trust.
The students will embark with 26 crew members, including scientists, marine and environmental experts, Blake leaders and TVNZ crew who will be filming a piece about the trip for the current affairs show Sunday.
The selection process for the Kermadecs expedition began in April when Olivia and Patricia attended the Youth EnviroLeaders Forum, also run by the Sir Peter Blake Trust. It was there that they were observed by chaperones for their ability to work alongside others, for their leadership skills and their passion for the environment.