Bilingual Sky Guide & Guest Experience

Ngai Tahu; Timaru; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Dark Sky Project in Takapñ (Lake Tekapo) seeks a Japanese and English-speaking Customer Experience & Tour Guide to welcome visitors from around the world and bring the stars to life through unforgettable experiences.

In this permanent, full-time role you’ll guide guests in astronomy and culture, handle bookings and retail, and reflect Ngāi Tahu values while delivering world-class hospitality under New Zealand’s iconic night skies.

Qualifications

• Fluent spoken and written Japanese and English (essential).
• Experience in customer service, tourism, hospitality, retail, guiding, sales, or another customer-facing role.
• Confidence communicating with diverse audiences and groups.
• Outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• A genuine passion for delivering exceptional visitor experiences.
• A positive, adaptable attitude in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional customer service and create memorable visitor experiences.
• Welcome and assist international guests in both Japanese and English.
• Guide visitors through engaging astronomy and cultural experiences.
• Manage bookings, enquiries, ticketing, retail sales, and point-of-sale transactions.
• Support retail, food and beverage, kiosk, and housekeeping operations as required.
• Provide accurate information and recommendations to enhance visitor experiences.
• Build genuine connections with manuhiri while reflecting Ngāi Tahu values and manaakitanga.
• Work collaboratively as part of a high-performing tourism team.

Skills

Japanese fluency

English fluency

Customer service

Communication

Hospitality

Teamwork

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Dark Sky Project in Takapñ (Lake Tekapo) seeks a Japanese and English-speaking Customer Experience & Tour Guide to welcome visitors from around the world and bring the stars to life through unforgettable experiences.

In this permanent, full-time role you’ll guide guests in astronomy and culture, handle bookings and retail, and reflect Ngāi Tahu values while delivering world-class hospitality under New Zealand’s iconic night skies.