Bilingual Activities Tour Guide

Shining Tours NZ Ltd; Timaru; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Shining Tours NZ Ltd in Timaru is seeking a warm, energetic receptionist and customer service host to support Go Tekapo tours. You will greet guests, handle inquiries, promote tours, and manage bookings at the office while delivering accurate information.

You will translate from English to Mandarin for daytime activities, guide Mandarin tours for the petting zoo and other attractions, and help maintain equipment and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Strong command of English.
• Receptionist experience.
• Experience living in or visiting New Zealand; knowledge of NZ.
• Respect for people from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of Te Reo Maori.
• Comfort addressing groups.
• Energetic, enthusiastic and passionate.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality guest service and manage inquiries at Go Tekapo venues.
• Answer phone and emails in a timely, professional manner.
• Promote Go Tekapo tours and attractions to guests.
• Translate materials from English to Mandarin for daytime activities.
• Lead Mandarin tours for petting zoo and other activities.
• Maintain equipment and facilities to SOPs.
• Contribute to health and safety compliance and incident reporting.

Skills

English proficiency

Receptionist experience

NZ living knowledge

Cultural respect

Te Reo Maori

Public speaking

Positive attitude

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Ensure telescopes are set up and programmed/optimised according to Go Tekapo procedures, guidelines, training and best practice.

Preparation of stargazing tour site.

Deliver and present engaging and great storytelling, scientific facts and education based on southern sky astronomy and Go Tekapo tour scripts.

Act as a receptionist when required, respond to inquiries and actively promote Go Tekapo tours, attractions and services in a professional, accurate and timely manner.

Efficient and safe dismantling and secure storage of telescopes.

Ensure animals' food are set up and the customer standing areas are tidy/clean according to Go Tekapo procedures, guidelines, training and best practice.

Preparation of petting zoo and Mt Hay farm tour area.

Deliver and present engaging and great storytelling, scientific facts and education based on Go Tekapo tour scripts.

Act as a receptionist when required, respond to inquiries and actively promote Go Tekapo tours, attractions and services in a professional, accurate and timely manner.

Efficient and safe dismantling and secure storage of all necessary equipment.

Customer Experience

Ensure you provide high-quality customer service ensuring guest needs and expectations are met, ensuring that management are aware of any feedback or complaints in a timely manner.

Be a gracious host, welcoming and acknowledging all guests, anticipate guests need. guests are thanked and fare welled with sincerity.

Proactively engage with customers, establish their needs through active listening and questions and provide clear and accurate information, adapting presentation style and delivery to the target audience.

Confident driving company vehicles to our stargazing sites with telescopes.

Conclude the customers' experience by thanking them with a genuine farewell.

Reply customer service phone messages and emails in appropriate manner.

Product Development

Informing management of events and developments in the wider world that are pertinent to the operations of Go Tekapo to be incorporated into the tour.

Training and Personal Development

Identifying gaps in your own knowledge and working to bridge these.

Identifying relevant training that is of interest to Go Tekapo as a business and to you as an individual, and bringing these opportunities to the attention of management.

Reservation

Using our booking system to manage all activities bookings.

Identifying outstanding bookings, such as canceled, pending or double bookings.

Covering shifts during day time at booking office.

Other activities

Translating from English to Mandarin for other daytime activities

Tour guiding Mandarin tours for the petting zoo and other activities under Go Tekapo Tourism Group.

Maintaining all relevant equipment.

Other

Carry out any other responsibilities as may be reasonably required from time to time.

Ensure the company's best interests are served at all times.

Cleaning all facilities as required.

Health and Safety

Proactive in compliance with policy, procedures and guidelines in line with SOPs.

Any potential or maintenance issues identified, documented and raised with the relevant department as appropriate.

Proactively identify, respond/react to any potential or emergency situation as per SOPs.

Any H&S requirements or issues are identified and addressed early, ensuring any risks have been minimized/mitigated/eliminated prior to tour commencement.

Knowledge and Skills

• 2. Good grasp of English
• 5. Receptionist experience.
• 6. New Zealand living or studying experience, and have a sound knowledge of New Zealand
• 7. Respect everyone who comes from different cultural backgrounds or religions.
• 8. Have a sound knowledge of Te Reo Maori.
• 9. Must be comfortable in addressing a group
• 10. Be jovial and able to infect people with your passion.