Pupils were able to get a close look inside an NH90 helicopter that landed on their school field.
It also stopped off at St Kevin’s College earlier in the day as part of a New Zealand Defence Force recruitment drive.
Eight soldiers were also on board and chatted with interested pupils about their experiences.
New Zealand Defence Force recruiter Sergeant Lachie Haddon said the goal was to show pupils some possible future careers in defence.
"We’re just hoping to show students some of the assets we’ve got as a Defence Force.
"[And] that the Defence Force is out there and is a career option for them when they are looking to leave school."
Sgt Haddon said the NH90 helicopters were operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force for a variety of roles including airlift, search and rescue and reconnaissance.
There are eight in New Zealand.
Due to time constraints, they were not able to visit Waitaki Girl’s High School but a handful of pupils did turn up to have a look at the helicopter and talk with the soldiers.
The crew made visits to numerous schools in Otago and Southland including King’s High School, in Dunedin, Wakatipu High School and Central Southland College, in Winton.
