Lead Night Sky Guide & Mentor for World‑Class Tours

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu; Lake Tekapo; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu is seeking a Lead Tour Guide to deliver immersive astronomy experiences at Lake Tekapo and surrounding sites. You will guide visitors, interpret phenomena, and tell cultural narratives that connect people with place and science.

You'll coach fellow guides, coordinate tours, and adapt plans to weather while upholding Ngāi Tahu values and manaakitanga. A supportive, knowledge-rich environment awaits.

Qualifications

• NZQCF Level 3 qualification (or higher) in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, science communication, education, tourism, or a related field; or a minimum of three years' relevant experience in astronomy, astronomy education, science communication, public engagement, visitor interpretation, tour guiding, or a related field.
• Experience delivering guided experiences, educational presentations, public talks, or visitor interpretation; strong storytelling and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate complex information in an engaging and accessible manner; experience in a customer-facing environment; weather and operations awareness.

Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional guided astronomy experiences for domestic and international visitors.
• Interpret astronomical phenomena and share engaging commentary tailored to a wide range of audiences.
• Explain astronomy concepts and cultural narratives in an informative and accessible way.
• Coach, mentor, and support guides to maintain high standards of guiding, customer service, and visitor engagement.
• Assist with day-to-day coordination of tour operations and logistics.
• Support decision-making, including weather-related tour adjustments and cancellations.
• Conduct visitor briefings and ensure experiences are delivered safely and professionally.
• Drive visitors between experience locations as required.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team culture; uphold Ngāi Tahu values.
• Support ongoing development of astronomy content and guiding standards across the business.

Skills

Guiding experience

Communication

Storytelling

Presentation skills

Customer service

Decision making

Coaching/Mentoring

Driver licence

First Aid

Ngāi Tahu knowledge

Education

NZQCF Level 3 in astronomy/physics/science communication/tourism

3+ years relevant experience in astronomy/education/communication/public engagement

Job description

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu is seeking a Lead Tour Guide to deliver immersive astronomy experiences at Lake Tekapo and surrounding sites. You will guide visitors, interpret phenomena, and tell cultural narratives that connect people with place and science.

You'll coach fellow guides, coordinate tours, and adapt plans to weather while upholding Ngāi Tahu values and manaakitanga. A supportive, knowledge-rich environment awaits.