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 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/
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
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 ...

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Creative tips about customising your Sony to your own particular photography needs - while enjoying a fab outing in an ecosanctuary haven. Thanks!”

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

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Event capacity: 8
Book now