The largest international military exercise to be held in the country gets underway on Friday morning, involving more than 2000 personnel from New Zealand and nine other nations.
More than 200 troops, backed by 60 military vehicles, will take part in the first phase of the exercise in Wellington.
A Defence Force spokesperson says the personnel will load the amphibious support vessel HMNZS Canterbury as part of the exercise, which involves land, sea and air assets.
Exercise Southern Katipo will take place until 29 November and most operations will centre on the airport and port of Timaru.
The exercise aims to test the capability of the defence force to mount a medium scale amphibious operation.
It was cancelled in 2011 because of the Christchurch earthquake.
