This is your ideal job if you love introducing visitors to the outdoors with the backup one of New Zealand's most experienced and well-respected operators.
We are a family-owned business, pioneering visitor services in the National Park since 1979. With this long-term vision and established systems we are here to support you and help to expand on your experience.
Our standard half and full day kayak and walk trips depart from Kaiteriteri. We also offer privately guided trips tailored to meet our guest’s needs.
Overnight trips can combine guided walking with sea kayaking. Three-day trips stay at our two beachfront lodges within the boundaries of Abel Tasman National Park: Torrent Bay Lodge and Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa. Five-day trips have two nights at each lodge. Hot showers and comfortable rooms remove the wet weather issues that can spoil tent-based trips.
Resident cooks provide meals for both guests and staff. There are boat luggage transfers and guests can join any scheduled boat service to reduce walking or kayaking time. This helps to remove stresses for both visitors and guides.
You will need to be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of NZ flora, fauna and history, as well as being customer focused with excellent interpersonal skills. You must be available to work weekends and public holidays and be prepared to work away from home for up to five days at a time.
In addition to guiding you will assist with light kitchen duties on lodge-based trips. This includes bar and food service. Guides are also responsible for the set up and clean down of all guiding related equipment. Some walk guiding may be required.
The position is full time for a fixed term commencing between mid-October and early December 2024 and running to early May 2025.
Sea Kayak Guide Minimum Requirements:
- A tertiary level qualification in Sea Kayaking.
- Restricted driver’s license as a minimum.
- A valid first aid certificate.
- NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.
- A Coastguard Day Skipper qualification will be an advantage.
If you progress beyond the interview stage, you must pass an internal sea kayak skills assessment before you can be considered for employment. Minimum sea kayak competency includes but is not limited to:
- Competent paddle strokes and able to manoeuvre a single sea kayak effectively.
- A competent roll on one side.
- An effective and competent self-rescue.
- An effective and competent rescue of a double sea kayak.
- Land in surf conditions of 0.5m – 1.5m in height
Wilsons Abel Tasman National Park Ltd is committed to providing a safe and healthy work place for its employees and guests. In the interests of health and safety, successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre employment drug and alcohol test.
Applications for Sea Kayak Guide positions are in progress.
Sam Ryder, Head Guide, [email protected]
Phone: 03 528 2027