Casual Tour Guide/Driver

Great North Tours; Waikato; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

Great North Tours is seeking a Casual Tour Guide/Driver to join our Hamilton-based team. You will guide and transport international and domestic visitors on private tours across the North Island, delivering engaging interpretation and exceptional service.

The role suits someone who enjoys meeting people from diverse backgrounds and sharing knowledge of New Zealand’s history, culture, landscapes, and attractions. Casual hours, including weekends, are possible.

Qualifications

• NZ driver’s licence with a clean driving record.
• P-Endorsement licence required or we can help obtain one.
• Excellent English communication and interpersonal skills.
• Confident speaking to international visitors and providing informative commentary.
• Genuine interest in New Zealand history, culture, landscapes and tourism experiences.
• Strong customer service, friendly and professional manner.
• Good time management, organisation and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing itineraries and conditions.
• Flexible to work casual hours, including weekends and public holidays.
• Previous experience in tourism, hospitality, passenger transport or tour guiding is an advantage.
• Additional language skills are an advantage.
• Knowledge of routes and attractions throughout the North Island is essential/ desirable.

Responsibilities

• Driving guests safely and professionally between destinations in company touring vehicles.
• Providing engaging commentary about New Zealand's history, culture, geography, wildlife and local attractions.
• Welcoming guests and ensuring they feel comfortable and well looked after throughout their journey.
• Following tour itineraries while adapting to guest interests, weather and road conditions when appropriate.
• Coordinating with attractions, activity operators and other tourism providers.
• Maintaining a clean, tidy and presentable vehicle.
• Managing tour schedules and ensuring guests arrive at destinations on time.
• Representing Great North Tours professionally and delivering consistently high customer service.
• Following all relevant road safety, passenger transport and company health and safety requirements.

Skills

NZ Driver's Licence

P-Endorsement Licence

Excellent English

Interpersonal skills

Confident with international guests

Customer service oriented

Time management

Independent worker

Flexible hours

Tourism/transport experience an asset

Additional languages an asset

Knowledge of North Island routes & at̵

Job description

Company Description

Great North Tours is a family-owned, Qualmark Silver-accredited private tour operator based in Hamilton, Waikato. We specialise in customised private day tours, multi-day journeys, golf tours and private transfers throughout New Zealand's North Island.

We create personalised travel experiences for couples, families and small private groups, combining New Zealand's iconic destinations with scenic locations, local experiences and places beyond the usual tourist routes.

Our tours are delivered in comfortable touring vehicles, with experienced local driver-guides providing friendly Kiwi hospitality, informative commentary and attentive service. We work with a wide range of local activity and accommodation providers to help guests make the most of their time in New Zealand.

Role Description

Great North Tours is seeking a Casual Tour Guide/Driver to work with our team, guiding and transporting international and domestic visitors on private tours throughout the North Island.

This is a hands-on, guest-facing role suited to someone who enjoys meeting people from different backgrounds, sharing their knowledge of New Zealand and providing memorable travel experiences.

Responsibilities include:

• Driving guests safely and professionally between destinations in company touring vehicles.
• Providing engaging commentary about New Zealand's history, culture, geography, wildlife and local attractions.
• Welcoming guests and ensuring they feel comfortable and well looked after throughout their journey.
• Following tour itineraries while adapting to guest interests, weather and road conditions when appropriate.
• Coordinating with attractions, activity operators and other tourism providers.
• Maintaining a clean, tidy and presentable vehicle.
• Managing tour schedules and ensuring guests arrive at destinations on time.
• Representing Great North Tours professionally and delivering consistently high customer service.
• Following all relevant road safety, passenger transport and company health and safety requirements.

Tours may range from single-day excursions to multi-day journeys, with destinations throughout the North Island. Therefore multiple overnight stays in places throughout the North Island maybe necessary.

Qualifications and Skills

• A full, valid New Zealand driver's licence and a safe driving record.
• A current, valid P-Endorsement licence (if you meet the requirements, we can help get you one)
• Excellent English communication and interpersonal skills.
• Confidence speaking to international visitors and providing informative commentary.
• A genuine interest in New Zealand's history, culture, landscapes and tourism experiences.
• Strong customer service skills and a friendly, professional manner.
• Good time management, organisation and problem-solving abilities.
• The ability to work independently and adapt to changing itineraries and conditions.
• Flexibility to work casual hours, including weekends and public holidays, depending on tour requirements.
• Previous experience in tourism, hospitality, passenger transport or tour guiding is an advantage.
• Additional language skills are an advantage.
• Knowledge of routes and roads throughout the North Island is essential.
• Knowledge of destinations and attractions throughout the North Island is desirable.

The successful applicant will be reliable, personable, safety-conscious and passionate about showcasing New Zealand to visitors.

Join Great North Tours and help deliver memorable private touring experiences across New Zealand's North Island.