Thanks for showing an interest in employment opportunities with Hiking New Zealand. We offer work in both international tourism and nature conservation and restoration through an associated business, Southern Rewilding. You can work with us in one or both of these enterprises.
We have a supportive and friendly management team and actively build a great working environment. We offer quality work-based training, competitive pay rates, and some wonderful clients and native flora and fauna to interact with!
"When I started working for Hiking New Zealand I was so impressed with the diversity of the guides. In common was a passion for life (in all kinds of ways!) but foremost a love for nature and people. " - Kath (on our team since 2005)
Tourism summary - small group hiking tours
We have been operating our own trips since 1995. We also act as the New Zealand ground operator for a number of other travel companies that are based off-shore. Most of our 5 – 22 day itineraries involve good day walks combined with touring, comfortable accommodation and restaurant meals. We also run some of our ‘original’ more adventurous trips that get off the beaten track into the backcountry using huts and wild camping. Have a read over our hotel based New Zealand Uncut and tougher Ultimate New Zealand tours.
Conservation summary - biodiversity enhancement
Our work to protect and restore New Zealand’s natural heritage is more recent. The Government’s Jobs for Nature funding initiative enabled our ready workforce of outdoor professionals to transition to conservation following the impact of COVID-19. We started alongside the Department of Conservation doing predator control work to protect orange fronted kākāriki in Arthur’s Pass National Park. Later we added wilding pine control and tree planting to our list of services. Mostly (but not always) this work is Canterbury based. Have a read about one of our guide's experiences working in predator control.
Guiding and conservation work in the backcountry presents many challenges. You will need to be enthusiastic, love the outdoors (and put up with all that it throws at you!) and if guiding, be able to pass that enjoyment and passion on to others. You will have proven initiative, know how to make the right decisions, and be prepared to take on responsibility. If this sounds attractive and a good fit for you, we encourage you to apply for one or both of the roles outlined below.
Hiking guiding
Seasonal contract guide positions are available from September to May for Auckland to Auckland or Christchurch to Christchurch itineraries. It’s preferable, that you are based in or close to our operations bases of Auckland and Christchurch although not essential. Many of our tours employ a single driver-guide although we have increasing need for guides in assistant and non-driving roles.
As the difficulty of the hikes across our tour styles varies, the hard skill and physical demands on our guides also varies, so we match tours to their capability and preference. We will not overlook applicants just because they have less backcountry experience. All guides do need to be well organised, and have interest in and broad knowledge of NZ's natural and cultural history and the ability to communicate this to others. For this reason we favour applicants who have been long term residents here.
Our hotel-based tours and backcountry guide roles both require:
Our more adventurous backcountry style trips additionally require applicants with:
I have always felt supported 24/7 by the office team who keep us organised and intouch when we are out on trips." - Kath
Conservation work
Project-based employment distributed throughout the year may complement summer guiding work. North Canterbury based.
We are looking for applicants who are:
Conservation work skills and experience are desirable although training is provided as required. This is a great opportunity to make a difference for the region's biodiversity.
For information on current vacancies phone Martin Leslie on 021 127 0317
Email your application to: [email protected]
Please apply with;
If your skills and experience match requirements we will arrange an interview. After the interview, we may ask that you join a hiking tour or spend time with our conservation team under supervision. The purpose of this is for you to get to know us, how we operate or where we go and what we do. We'll also be checking you out and making sure you have all the competencies needed to be successful. At the completion of this process, applicants will then be offered employment.
Dave serving up breakfast his way. White Horse Mt Cook