The HMNZS Endeavour anchored in the Bay Of Islands late on Monday to clear Customs checks before heading for the Devonport Naval base for a Homecoming ceremony.
The ship has been away for four months and was her last deployment before she is decommissioned next year.
Onboard are three Northlanders who have loved sailing the high seas and visiting Australia, East Timor, Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia.
Reporter Kristin Edge was welcomed aboard Endeavour and spoke to the ship navigator Seagar Clarkson, stores accountant and the ships newest qualified Replenishing At Sea winch driver Nessa Reti and chef Hohepa Lewers.