The HMNZS Taupo sails today after a brief three-day stop in the city.

HMNZS Taupo executive officer Lieutenant Alex Flaws on board the HMNZS Taupo.

While it was berthed in the Port of Tauranga students from several colleges got to see on board the ship and experience first-hand what life in the New Zealand Navy could be like – an enticing opportunity for potential recruits.

Along with general seamanship, students were educated in engineering, medical and administration while on board the ship.

But it wasn't just the budding sailors who were given the chance to look around on board the HMNZS Taupo. Fifteen Tauranga Volunteer Reserves were invited on board to learn how to work on the ship's boats and familiarising themselves with the ship's life-saving equipment.

Launched in August 2008, the 340tonne ship is one of four Inshore Patrol Vessels used to monitor and protect NZ shores. The vessels are designed for maritime surveillance and patrol missions around the New Zealand coast and southwest Pacific.

Their primary mission is to protect the security and prosperity of New Zealanders by undertaking maritime security patrols, surveillance, boarding operations and response to search and rescue call outs.

The ships work with government agencies such as Fisheries, Customs, Police and the Department of Conservation on operations around New Zealand's 1500 kilometres of coastline.