Kaiārahi (Tour Guide)

Te Puia; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and development opportunities

Free lunch once a week

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Te Puia in Rotorua is seeking enthusiastic Kaiārahi to join our Visitor Experience team for the busy summer season. You’ll bring stories of our culture, whenua, and people to life for manuhiri, and create memorable experiences.

This fixed-term role requires confident communication, a warm, friendly approach, and the ability to connect with diverse groups. Availability across late August to March/April 2027, including weekends and public holidays, is essential.

Qualifications

• Passion for great customer service and building rapport with diverse people.
• Warm, friendly approach and ability to engage groups.
• Confident speaking with audiences and guiding experiences.
• Strong communication and organisational skills for smooth visits.
• Positive, reliable, and team-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Availability across the summer season, including weekends and holidays.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality guest experiences.
• Knowledge of te reo me tikanga Māori is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Share stories of culture, whenua, and people to bring Te Puia to life for visitors.
• Connect with manuhiri and create memorable experiences during tours and interactions.
• Support a welcoming, engaging atmosphere for guests during the summer season.

Skills

Customer service passion

Warm, friendly approach

Confidence speaking to groups

Strong communication

Team-focused attitude

Independent work ability

Summer availability

Deliver high-quality experiences

Knowledge of te reo me tikanga Māori

Job description

Nau mai ki Te Puia

Te ūkaipō o te whare pūmau i ngā taonga tuku iho

Tomo mai ki te whare i whakaarahia i roto i te pā tūwatawata o ngā tūmanako.

MŌ mātū | About us:

Te Puia is one of New Zealand’s most iconic visitor experiences, set within the historic Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley and home to the world-famous Pňhutu geyser, bubbling mud pools, native kiwi, and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.

As an iwi-owned organisation, we are proud to share our culture, our people, and our whenua with manuhiri from Aotearoa and around the world. For generations, Te Puia NZMACI has upheld and protected Māori arts, culture, and storytelling, and we continue to carry that legacy with pride.

MŌ te ūnga | About the role:

We’re getting ready for another busy summer season and are looking for enthusiastic, people-focused Kaiārahi to join our Visitor Experience team.

As a Kaiārahi, you’ll help bring Te Puia to life for our manuhiri by sharing the stories of our culture, our whenua, and our people. This is a role for someone who enjoys connecting with others, speaking with confidence, and creating memorable experiences.

These are fixed-term roles supporting our busy summer season, with start dates expected from late August through September and roles likely to finish around March or April 2027. Applicants will need strong availability across this period, including weekends and public holidays.

If you’re passionate about uplifting our culture and enjoy engaging with people from all walks of life, we’d love to hear from you.

For a full position description, please contact us.

Please only apply if you have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Preferred applicants will need to complete pre-employment checks, including a Ministry of Justice check and drug testing.

For more information about Te Puia, visit www.tepuia.com.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ŋ | What you will bring:

• A passion for great customer service
• A warm, friendly approach and the ability to build genuine rapport with a wide range of people
• Confidence speaking to groups
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• A positive, reliable, and team-focused attitude
• The ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
• Availability across the summer season, including weekends and public holidays
• A commitment to delivering a high-quality experience for our manuhiri
• Knowledge of te reo me ŋa tikanga Māori is advantageous

Nŏ u te rourou | What’s in it for you:

• Training and development opportunities
• The chance to work in one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourism and cultural experiences
• Access to wellbeing initiatives, including EAP support
• Enjoy a free lunch once a week, along with other exclusive food offerings.
• The opportunity to contribute to a legacy of culture, manaakitanga, and tourism excellence