The owner of Natures Wonders eco-tourism business on Otago Peninsula could not say enough good things about the 18 students who helped him put up fencing on Saturday.
"They were the nicest, most well-mannered, credit-to-our-society students I have ever met," Mr Reid said.
The students volunteered for the day-long task as part of last week's Students Give Back volunteer initiative. About 600m of the 6km perimeter fence was made predator-proof.
"We have major wildlife colonies on our farm . . . They've done something absolutely great for Dunedin and New Zealand," he said.
"We got more done than I expected and the standard of work was one hundred percent. They were bloody great kids."
The week-long volunteer project was organised by Scarfie Card director Aaron Thomson and the Otago University Students Association.
About 150 tasks were listed by city residents and community organisations on the Scarfie Card website.
About 60 students completed jobs.
Mr Thomson said the timing of the event - directly after the Easter break - and access to transport to do tasks had proved to be limiting factors.
"It's the first time we've done a volunteering event like this," Mr Thomson said.
"There's a lot to learn about how we could make it a better event for next year.
"Those who did get involved had a rewarding experience that has been a win-win for students and Dunedin residents."
A student-vs-staff foodbank drive resulted in 740 food items being collected and given to the combined Dunedin city food banks.
