Scene
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.

Register
Join
Sign in
Register
Join

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
Simon Pierce
-
Advocate

The World's Biggest Birds! Special Albatross Photography Trip

Encounter Kaikoura, Kaikōura, Canterbury Region
Sun 19 Jul
Simon Pierce, Fiona Wardle
Image: Alpha 1 II (A1 II)
  • 135mm
  • ƒ/1.8
  • 1/2500s
  • ISO 100
Alpha 1 II (A1 II)
Full-Frame E-Mount 135mm F1.8 G-Master Lens
Simon Pierce
-
Advocate
The World's Biggest Birds! Special Albatross Photography Trip
Encounter Kaikoura, Kaikōura, Canterbury Region
Sun 19 Jul
Simon Pierce, Fiona Wardle
Image: Alpha 7R III (A7RM3A)
  • 15mm
  • ƒ/8
  • 1/2500s
  • ISO 3200
Alpha 7R III (A7RM3A)
Simon Pierce
-
Advocate
The World's Biggest Birds! Special Albatross Photography Trip
Encounter Kaikoura, Kaikōura, Canterbury Region
Sun 19 Jul
Simon Pierce, Fiona Wardle
Image: Alpha 1 II (A1 II)
  • 400mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/4000s
  • ISO 500
Alpha 1 II (A1 II)
Full Frame E-Mount FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS
Photograph multiple albatross species close-up off Kaikoura

About the event

Join Sony Digital Imaging Advocates and ocean wildlife photographers Simon Pierce and Fiona Wardle for an extended photography-oriented trip with Albatross Encounter off Kaikoura.

Kaikoura is a global marine biodiversity hotspot. Regular trips here get two hours on the water – we'll be doubling that for maximum photographic time with multiple albatross species, petrels, shearwaters, terns, gulls, and whatever else chooses to fly or swim by. It'll be an amazing experience!

Fiona and Simon will be on hand to provide photo tips, and it'll be a great bunch of people. All welcome, including non-photographers who are interested in seeing albatross up close.

For more information about the operator, see Albatross Encounter.

Techniques covered

  • Birds in flight
  • Close-up wide-angle bird photography

What to bring

  • I'd suggest bringing both your regular wildlife photography lens, and a wide-angle lens of some sort – the albatross may be close to the boat! 
  • Please check the marine forecast and dress appropriately for conditions, including closed shoes
     

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

No dress code, but we'll be on the water for ~4 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 around the Encounter centre on The Esplanade. We'll take a minibus to the boat from there.
Yes! You can email Simon directly at simonjpierce@gmail.com. There's also a wealth of information on the Albatross Encounter website: https://www.albatrossencounter.co.nz/
Suitable for all levels Nature / wildlife Birdlife
Session 1 - Sun 19 Jul 2026, 9:45AM - 2:30PM (UTC+12) Auckland, Wellington
Sun 19 Jul 2026, 9:45AM - 2:30PM (UTC+12) Auckland, Wellington
Suitable for all levels
Event capacity: 8
NZ$275 per/person    Book now
96 Esplanade, Kaikōura Canterbury Region 7300
Meet at 9:45 am at the Albatross Encounter shop
2026 Alpha Awards Photo Competition

2026 Alpha Awards Photo Competition

It’s your last chance to get your entry in for the Alpha Awards photo competition!

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

Don’t miss out, entries now close Friday 3 July.
Enter now
Event capacity: 8
Book now