Otago Boys' High School year 12 pupil Hamish Lilley is one of 12 secondary school pupils from around New Zealand who will journey to the Auckland Islands in February, to a region identified as critical for studying the effects of climate change.
Although he is delighted about the expedition, he is a little worried about the eight days he will spend in notoriously rough seas aboard HMNZS Wellington.
''I've been out on fishing boats and spent some time looking at the inside of a bucket,'' he said.
''I've never spent an extended period of time on a ship and I'm sure it will be an eventful first day and night.''
Despite his concerns about seasickness, he was looking forward to seeing the Auckland Islands and their inhabitants for the first time.
The group was expected to spend up to five days on the islands.
Hamish said he was inspired to study the environment by Sir Edmund Hillary and his 86-year-old grandfather, with whom he shared a love of the outdoors.
Sir Peter Blake Trust programme director Hannah Prior said the pupils were selected for their natural leadership ability and for having led environmental projects and initiatives.
''Their role on the expedition will be to help draft a feasibility study for the establishment of a research station, which will allow local and international agencies to work collaboratively on integrated climate and marine science programmes in the subantarctic.
''In 2015, a second group of young leaders - this time joined by New Zealand's Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae - will return to help build the station,'' she said.
The establishment of the research station will provide new access for researchers implementing the Deep South National Science Challenge, one of 10 National Science Challenges being launched by the Government over the next two years.
The station will also help direct and support conservation of the World Heritage site.
New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute director and Blake leader Prof Gary Wilson will join the 22-strong expedition crew, which will include representatives from Niwa and the Department of Conservation.
The expedition is expected to depart from Auckland on February 10 and return to Bluff by February 23, 2014.
