AU NZ

Events, photo walks, talks from the masters, in-depth workshops. Expand your horizons with one of our many events across Australia.

Explore Sony’s Digital Imaging line-up, an ever-expanding range of cameras, lenses and accessories that have been developed to meet a diverse range of creative needs and technical requirements.

Events, photo walks, talks from the masters, in-depth workshops. Expand your horizons with one of our many events across Australia.

Explore Sony’s Digital Imaging line-up, an ever-expanding range of cameras, lenses and accessories that have been developed to meet a diverse range of creative needs and technical requirements.

AU NZ
Photograph ocean wildlife against a spectacular coastal backdrop

About the event

Photograph the world's largest animals! Your co-hosts, Sony Digital Imaging Advocates Simon Pierce and Fiona Wardle, will be leading this photography workshop onboard the Whale Watch Kaikoura vessel.

Kaikoura is a global marine biodiversity hotspot, and one of the best places in the world to see and photograph sperm whales, the world's largest predator. We'll be searching for them and other marine mammal species, and there are normally plenty of seabirds too. Winter is typically the best time to see sperm whales, humpback whales, several of the most photogenic albatross species, and all with the stunning snow-covered mountain backdrop that makes Kaikoura such an iconic destination.

For more information about the operator, see Whale Watch Kaikoura. We'll be in the VIP cabin upstairs, giving us plenty of space for photography, and access to the entire vessel and exclusive access to some of the best angles for composition.

This event is part of our Kaikoura Ocean Wildlife Weekend Extravaganza – make a trip of it, and join us for the Peninsula wildlife photowalk before this trip (hopefully some nice fur seal sightings) and our special Albatross Encounter bird photography workshop the following morning.

Techniques covered

  • Ocean wildlife photography
  • Birds in flight
  • Wildlife action photography

What to bring

  • Please check the marine forecast and dress appropriately for conditions, including closed shoes
  • If you're concerned about seasickness, it'll be best to visit a pharmacy before the trip to chat through options.

Event FAQs (For general FAQs, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page)

No dress code, but we'll be on the water for ~2 hrs. Please check the marine forecast and dress appropriately for conditions. You'll need closed shoes that have some tread on them.
There's plenty of parking near Whale Watch. We'll take a bus to the boat from there.
Yes! You can email Simon directly at simonjpierce@gmail.com. There's also a wealth of information on the Whale Watch website: https://whalewatch.co.nz/kia-ora/

NZ$50 deposit payable via Sony Scene to secure a spot.
Balance Due Date: 10/07/2026

Payment for the remaining balance should be made directly to the host. They will be in contact with you shortly to provide the payment details and further instructions.

Sat 18 Jul 2026, 12:45PM - 4:30PM (UTC+12) Auckland, Wellington
Suitable for all levels
Event capacity: 6
NZ$255 (Deposit NZ$50) per/person    Book now
2026 Alpha Awards Photo Competition

2026 Alpha Awards Photo Competition

2026 marks the eleventh year of the Alpha Awards celebrating the greatest images from across Australia and New Zealand captured on Sony Alpha cameras and lenses, giving you the chance to share in over $62,000 (AUD) worth of Sony digital imaging gear. 

Terms and conditions apply.*

Advocate

Simon Pierce

I'm an ocean wildlife photographer and marine conservation biologist living in Kaikōura, New Zealand.My scientific speciality is photo-identification, where we ...

Read more

Simon is an exceptionally knowledgeable and fascinating speaker. A background in both science & photography provides compelling insights and viewing.”

Gavan Mitchell, Getting Started With Conservation Photography
Whale sharks at St Helena Island in the Atlantic Ocean
Friendly loggerhead turtle off Byron Bay, Australia

Simon was an excellent presenter. Informative and shared his wealth of knowledge of marine life and photography in a great way.”

Stu Attwood, Introduction to Ocean Wildlife Photography
Event capacity: 6
Book now