Adventure Cave Guide

Tourism Holdings Pty; Waitomo Caves; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Tourism Holdings Limited (thl) invites applications for Adventure Cave Guides at Discover Waitomo and Ruakuri Cave during peak season. The role is a fixed-term, part-time contract overseeing experiences such as Black Labyrinth, Black Abyss and Ruakuri Cave tours.

You will lead groups, provide safety briefings, and ensure high-quality, era-appropriate guest experiences. Ideal candidates will have relevant caving, climbing or alpine experience, strong communication and group management skills, and

Qualifications

• Relevant qualifications & experience in caving, climbing, or alpine environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead underground experiences including Black Labyrinth, Black Abyss, and Ruakuri Cave tours.
• Conduct safety briefings and issue equipment.
• Deliver engaging experiences aligned with operational standards.
• Complete pre- and post-tour paperwork and debriefs.
• Monitor environmental impact and assist with site rehabilitation.
• Support health and safety systems and emergency procedures.
• Collaborate with the operations team to ensure smooth daily operations.

Skills

Caving

Climbing

Alpine environments

Job description

Are you passionate about the outdoors and ready to lead a dynamic team in one of New Zealand’s most unique environments? We’re seeking a motivated Adventure Cave Guides on a fixed term part time contract to join our Black Water Rafting and Ruakuri Cave operations, over our busy peak season.

Tourism Holdings Limited (thl) is the world's leading provider of holiday vehicles for rent and sale, operating under various brands across New Zealand, Australia, the USA, and the UK. In New Zealand, thl also operates a range of iconic tourism experiences including:

• Discover Waitomo – home to the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave, Aranui Cave, and The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. adventures.
• Kiwi Experience – New Zealand’s leading hop-on hop-off bus adventure network.

About Discover Waitomo:

• Our core values that drive the business are Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga and Whanaungatanga - all of which are also measures of our care for our people and our place.
• A great work environment in the tourism industry - where you'll spend your day surrounded by positive, passionate and multicultural people.
• Part of Tourism Holdings Limited (thl) - NZ's premium tourism company operating iconic kiwi brands The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company, Ruakuri Cave and Waitomo Glowworm Cave

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a variety of underground experiences including Black Labyrinth, Black Abyss, and Ruakuri Cave tours.
• Conduct safety briefings and issue equipment.
• Deliver engaging and informative experiences aligned with operational standards.
• Complete pre- and post-tour paperwork and debriefs.
• Monitor environmental impact and assist with site rehabilitation.
• Support health and safety systems and emergency procedures.
• Collaborate with the operations team to ensure smooth daily operations.

What We’re Looking For:

• Relevant qualifications & experience in caving, climbing, or alpine environments.
• A passion for the outdoors and adventure tourism.
• Strong communication and group management skills.
• Physically capable and comfortable in cave environments.
• Integrity, emotional intelligence, and a positive team attitude.
• Ability to assess client ability and make critical decisions under pressure.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a supportive and professional team.
• Work in a world-renowned tourism destination.
• Enjoy career development and training opportunities.
• Help create unforgettable experiences for visitors from around the globe.

Ready to take the next step in your adventure career?