Two Alexandra teenagers say a once-in-a-lifetime trip as part of the New Zealand contingent at Gallipoli for Anzac Day brought history to life for them.
They won their places in a competition run by Veterans Affairs.
Danny entered an essay about his ancestors' war efforts, while Laura wrote diary entries about a fictional family living during World War 1.
They were treated like VIPs as part of the official New Zealand contingent, their buses escorted by police motorcades, staying in five-star hotels, and having breakfast one morning with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.
"Everything was awesome and it was so amazing to be part of it," Danny said.
"It was something I'll never forget. I learnt lots about the war years and was able to see first-hand where all the action happened and where they fought, which brought it all to life for me," he said.
Laura said it was nice to have the experience as part of the official party, which included war veterans.
"It kind of made it more meaningful because being with a group, it made even more of an impact on you."
She said the Turkish people had greeted the group with open arms - "they love New Zealanders".
The group attended three services on April 24 and then were up at 2am to get ready for the first of four services on Anzac Day.
Danny said it was amazing watching dawn break near Anzac Cove, in the company of about 10,000 people for the dawn service.
"It was so quiet even though there were 10,000 people there."
The group attended Australian, Turkish, Commonwealth, French and New Zealand services held at different war memorials around the peninsula.
Both Danny and Laura said it was a privilege to represent New Zealand youth in Turkey and both want to return to the area in the future.
They will be back to school tomorrow after two weeks away.
Today both will be attending an open day at the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic.
