Expedition Blog - Porohu Hagai Noa, South Georgia 2023

Porohu Hagai Noa at Godthul, South Georgia. © AHT/Anna Clare

Porohu Hagai Noa was one of 22 young New Zealanders who travelled with the Trust to South Georgia in October 2023 for our ninth Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ to honour the centenary year of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s final expedition, the ‘Quest’.

When I applied to go on the Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ to South Georgia, I really had no idea what I was signing up for. My friends said you should go for it – it’s a great chance to see the world. It was one of those random things where I thought, let’s just have a go at applying and see where you can go. Then I heard I was accepted and was so excited to see that happened next.

The first time we all got together as a team and with the Antarctic Heritage Trust staff was at Team Building Weekend, which was held at my school, Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate in Otara. I was a bit shy about meeting all these new people, but I connected with some of them straight away and it was amazing to hear what they were all up to. During the weekend, we found out what we were going to be doing during the expedition and I was excited to learn I would be part of the Science outreach team.

It was fun to meet everyone in Auckland a few months later, ready to take off on our long flight to Chile. We were gutted to be stuck there for a few days before we could fly to the Falkland Islands and get on the ship to sail to South Georgia, but at the same time we weren’t gutted, as we filled the days in Puna Arenas with lots of fun activities.

Porohu and Rykien Amiatu launch the MetService spotter buoy as part of the science team’s outreach project. ©AHT/Anna Clare

Finally, we got to the Falklands and boarded the Magellan Explorer. I had never sailed before and couldn’t believe it during the journey as almost everyone else was pretty seasick and I didn’t get sick at all! My fellow Inspiring Explorer, Lawrence Rothwell and I had a bet that whoever got sick had to apologise to everyone. I think I won that bet. He did get sick but didn’t tell me!

Porohu (left) walking in the snow with Lawrence Rothwell, Sasha Cheng, Kelsey Waghorn, Destiny Martin, and Henry Conquer at Stromness. ©AHT/Anna Clare

Another highlight on the ship was meeting new people from all over the world, who I wouldn’t normally meet in my every-day life. I made really good connections with some of the staff on the ship too, especially Pablo, who taught me a lot about the environment.

Everyone was so excited when we saw South Georgia for the first time. I got such a surprise to see my first iceberg. I remember thinking, oh my gosh is this real or is it fake? Can I go touch it?

Seeing all the amazing wildlife was so cool – different birds, and funny penguins. My favourites were the elephant seals. I loved landing on the island and feeling the soft snow beneath my feet. The really long walks were fun.

The expedition pushed me outside my comfort zone. Every day we had a team debrief, and one day when Mike Barber from the Trust asked for a volunteer to lead it, I was like, let’s have a go. I did it and thought, I can actually do this!

Mike and the Trust’s Board member Georgie Archibald were so cool on the trip and made sure we were all comfortable and happy.

On the journey back to the Falklands I still didn’t get seasick. Even when the swells in the Scotia Sea were up to 10 metres. For a first timer I think I aced it.

Every moment of the expedition was amazing. The friendships I made with the other Inspiring Explorers™ were special too. Lawrence was so fun to interact with and has become a bit of a mentor to me. I was also close to Rose Lasham, Destiny Martin and Rykien Amiatu.

Porohu (right) with her friends and fellow Inspiring Explorers Destiny Martin and Lawrence Rothwell. ©AHT/Lily Green

Porohu with Henry Conquer and Kaitlyn Martin at Hope Point, South Georgia. ©AHT/Anna Clare

The expedition has definitely changed me. It was only the second time I had travelled a long distance, and now I’m thinking about where else I want to travel to.

Being around a big group of people is a positive thing and it’s really helped my confidence. I had a little break after we got back from South Georgia, then started my building apprenticeship. I was a bit shy when I first started, but because I’m more confident after the expedition, I talk to everyone now.

I would like to thank the Antarctic Heritage Trust for this life-changing opportunity. I was honoured to be selected for it.