John McGlashan College pupil Hamish Darling (15) and Logan Park High School pupil Rebecca Vella-King (17) were selected from 50 pupils who attended last month's Sir Peter Blake Youth EnviroLeaders' Forum in Auckland.
The duo will be part of an outstanding group of 30 pupils to go on the adventure of a lifetime to the Kermadecs aboard HMNZS Canterbury in August.
Sir Peter Blake Trust chief executive Shelley Campbell said the selection panel, which had in place a rigorous process, had an incredibly tough job choosing the final 30.
"Sir Peter would be proud to see the superb calibre of the chosen students. He would no doubt recognise a little bit of himself in their can-do attitude and passion for the environment around them.
"The expedition will fulfil Sir Peter's vision for providing a chance for our most dynamic teenagers to be inspired to really grasp their potential through this amazing adventure."
Hamish said the expedition would allow them to contribute to New Zealand's scientific knowledge by helping with shark-tagging, dolphin DNA-sampling, and monitoring plankton.
They will also get to observe the Kermadecs' unique flora and fauna, and learn about one of New Zealand's seldom-visited northern outposts.
Rebecca said it would be the trip of a lifetime: "It's the isolation and being away from civilisation that's so appealing.
"It wouldn't be as exciting if it wasn't a little bit dangerous. Call it the thrillseeker in me."
As well as having an adventurous spirit, the pair also have a passion for conservation.
Hamish was a founding member of the school's environmental group, the Green Guys McGlashan.
He has also been an active member of the Ohau Conservation Trust since 2008, holds a position on the committee and is regularly involved in conservation work, including removing wild conifers.
Rebecca is an environmental prefect at Logan Park High School, and is a member of the St Martin's Island Community, a volunteer organisation devoted to the care and restoration of Quarantine Island, in Otago Harbour near Port Chalmers.
She was a New Zealand delegate at the 2009 Murray Darling Basin Authority International River Health Conference.
Hamish and Rebecca will be accompanied on the expedition by a crew of subject experts, scientists, artists, educators, communicators and leaders.
They will also have the opportunity to go snorkelling and better understand the rich marine life of the Kermadecs.
Kermadecs
A subtropical arc of volcanic islands extending 800km-1000km northeast of New Zealand. The 745,000ha area of ocean surrounding the islands is protected as New Zealand's largest marine reserve.
