Jet Boat Driver / Kaiuruki Waka / Ngai Tahu Tourism

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tourism operator in Canterbury is seeking passionate individuals for Jet Boat Driver Training. No previous experience is required; successful candidates will receive paid training and licensing. This role offers opportunities to work in breathtaking locations while sharing Ngāi Tahu culture. Candidates must hold a full driver’s licence and embrace Ngāi Tahu values. Apply now for a chance to embark on a unique adventure career!

Benefits

Paid training + licensing

Health insurance

Kaimahi support

Employee discounts

Career development opportunities

Relocation support

Qualifications

• A minimum two-year commitment once qualified.
• Keen to embrace Ngāi Tahu values and te reo Māori.

Responsibilities

• Complete our comprehensive jet boat driver training programme.
• Share the stories of our whenua and Ngāi Tahu culture with manuhiri.
• Prioritise safety and follow operational procedures.
• Perform daily boat checks and maintenance.
• Support customer service and team operations.

Skills

Cool head

Quick reflexes

Customer service orientation

Safety-focused

Physically fit

Mentally sharp

Passion for adventure

Education

Full driver’s licence

P endorsement (bonus)

Job description

Jet Boat Driver Training

Shotover Jet | Dart River Adventures | Huka Falls Jet

This opportunity is open exclusively to registered Ngāi Tahu whānau. We’re currently taking expressions of interest – if successful, likely start dates would be 2026.

This is not just a job – it’s a career. If you’re passionate about stepping into one of our jet boating businesses, we’re keen to start a kōrero with you! Kia hiwa rā! Are you ready to represent your iwi in some of Aotearoa’s most breathtaking locations? Ngāi Tahu Tourism is gearing up for our next intake of jet boat drivers – and we’re calling on our whānau to take the wheel.

No experience needed – just passion, commitment, and a love for adventure. We’ll provide paid training and licensing to get you jet boat‑ready, plus ongoing development and career progression.

Where You’ll Make a Splash

Shotover Jet – deliver epic 360° spins through the dramatic Kimiākau canyons

Dart River Adventures – navigate braided rivers through iconic landscapes and ancient native forest

Huka Falls Jet – take manuhiri on thrilling rides to the base of the spectacular Huka Falls

We’ll help match you to the location that suits you best – and support your relocation if needed.

Perks

• Paid training + licensing – become a certified jet boat driver
• Health insurance – includes unlimited online GP consults + annual health checks
• Kaimahi support – counselling, financial coaching, and Rongoā Māori services for you and your immediate whānau
• Discounts – for you, your whānau and mates across our tourism businesses
• Career development – learning, growth, and progression opportunities
• Relocation support – if required

What You’ll Do

• Complete our comprehensive jet boat driver training programme
• Share the stories of our whenua and Ngāi Tahu culture with manuhiri
• Prioritise safety and follow operational procedures
• Perform daily boat checks and maintenance
• Support customer service and team operations

What We’re Looking For

• A cool head, quick reflexes, and a love for making people smile
• Physically fit, mentally sharp, and safety‑focused
• Full driver’s licence (P endorsement a bonus – we’ll help you get it)
• Keen to embrace Ngāi Tahu values and te reo Māori

Mō Mātou – About Us

Ngāi Tahu Tourism is one of Aotearoa’s largest tourism operators. We showcase the best of our whenua while embracing manaakitanga and strengthening te reo Māori and tikanga across our teams.

Ready to take the wheel?

This is a unique opportunity to gain a sought‑after skill in adventure tourism. We’ll train you – all we ask is a minimum two‑year commitment once qualified.

As part of our commitment to kia hoki ora atu, our recruitment process includes drug, alcohol, psychometric and medical testing.

Please apply via our Ngāi Tahu Tourism jobs site:

• An up‑to‑date CV
• A cover letter telling us what makes you you, and why you’d be awesome in this role

Apply now – nau mai, tauti mai!

If you’re not yet registered, we can help you with that too – just reach out and we’ll guide you through the process. If you are registered, awesome! Have your registration number ready when you apply.

Jo Mackenzie – [e-mail] | 021 246 6661

Kate Smith – [e-mail] | 021 241 2579

Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui – we can’t wait to welcome you to the tourism whānau.