New Zealand, Kaikoura

Kaikoura is whale watch capital of New Zealand. There's only one company to go for a boat tour, Kaikoura Whale Watch. It's expensive but you're guaranteed to see whales or up to 80% of your money back. You can see where your money goes to. The boat is very sophisticated with a plasma display showing the boats heading and the depth of the continental shelf below and information pulled up by the guide. They have microphones on board to track the whales so your pretty much guaranteed seeing a few. You can go out on deck with your camera when the boat pulls up near a surfaced whale and take the money shot when it arches its back and puts its tail into the air before descending. There was a sea sickness warning on our trip which we should have taken more seriously!