Students were split into mixed-school crews and took on daily responsibilities like food preparation, sail handling, scrubbing decks, and cleaning cabins. Days were filled with onboard activities or adventures ashore, and evenings brought high-energy, often hilarious, crew-led competitions.
Students from Hamilton Boys’, Geraldine High, Sacred Heart (Auckland) and Wellington High joined the Dio contingent, creating a vibrant and diverse community onboard. The voyage, part of the Spirit of Adventure Trust’s mission to grow rangatahi through challenge and connection, gave students a rare opportunity to unplug, explore the natural world, and form genuine friendships.
Standout moments included spotting dolphins and whales, enjoying time away from screens, and learning to navigate life at sea as a team.
Beyond the excitement, the voyage delivered lasting personal growth. Students returned home with stronger communication skills, a greater sense of independence, and the confidence to lead and support others under pressure.
Finding Connection, Courage, and Clarity at Sea
For Juliette Laury (Year 10), the highlight wasn’t a single moment—it was the friendships that formed in the most unexpected of ways.
“The bonds I made on the boat were what made the Spirit of Adventure so magical,” she reflects. “They were new, completely different, and unpredictable—which made it all feel so real.”
Juliette believed one of the toughest challenges of the experience was the icy 6.30am ocean swims.
“Waking up knowing you had to jump into 16–17°C water wasn’t easy,” she says. “Every day, I had to convince myself to let go of the boat and just do it. But once I hit the water, I felt this incredible rush. It became something I loved—not because it was easy, but because it pushed me.”
The Spirit of Adventure voyage is known for encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones. For Juliette, it offered something even more profound: a true break from the noise of everyday life.
“Not once did I think about school, my phone, or the things that usually fill my head,” she says. “I was just focused on having fun—and that was incredibly freeing.”
Would she recommend it? Absolutely.
“I’d recommend Spirit 1000%. You grow in ways you don’t expect, face challenges you won’t find anywhere else, and come away with memories and friendships that stay with you forever.”
Juliette’s only regret? That it had to end.
“If I get the chance to do Spirit again, I’ll sign up in a heartbeat.”
From Nerves to New Heights
For Sophie Berry (Year 10), the experience was full of challenges, surprises, and unforgettable moments. Her personal highlight? Climbing the ship’s towering sails.
“I was so nervous at first—it felt really high! But once I was clipped on and made it to the top, I ended up loving it. The view was amazing, and it pushed me out of my comfort zone.”
Like Juliette, Sophie found the early-morning ocean jumps a shock to the system.
“Jumping into the cold sea felt scary at first, but I was proud of myself every time I did it.”
Another challenge was being away from home. Sophie admits she was hesitant to join the voyage for that very reason—but her perspective shifted once the journey began.
“At first, I didn’t want to go. But once I was on the boat, I started having fun—and when I came back, I realised how much I’d grown.”
For those considering the trip, Sophie paints a vivid picture:
“You spend five days on a boat with some friends from your school and others from around New Zealand. You get to explore beautiful places like the Coromandel Peninsula, climb sails, help with sailing tasks, and eat really good food.”
Would she recommend it?
“Yes, absolutely! I made amazing memories and got to know my classmates in a whole new way. It was incredible.”
Sophie encourages others to take the leap—even if they’re unsure.
“I didn’t think I’d get picked, and I wasn’t even sure I wanted to go. But I’m so glad I did. I think the 5-day voyage is something everyone should experience while they’re still at school.”
