Lead Tour Guide | Dark Sky Project

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Dark Sky Project is seeking a Lead Tour Guide to lead night-time astronomy experiences at Lake Takapō, Ōtehiwai/Mt John, and Cowan’s Observatory. You will mentor the guiding team, coordinate tours, and ensure safety and engagement in a stunning Mackenzie District setting.

The role emphasizes manaakitaka, storytelling, and cultural connection, with a target to grow the Ngāi Tahu legacy through exceptional visitor experiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years relevant astronomy or related science experience
• Experience in public speaking, education, or tour guiding
• NZ driver’s licence with P endorsement (or ability to obtain)
• First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain)

Responsibilities

• Lead and support guides to deliver immersive astronomy experiences
• Motivate and develop the team, ensuring engagement and customer service excellence
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of astronomy and explain complex concepts clearly
• Coordinate tour operations, including scheduling and safety decisions
• Drive visitors between locations (NZ driver’s licence and P endorsement required)
• Provide welcoming, engaging, educational experiences for all visitors
• Support retail and customer service operations when needed
• Champion Ngāi Tahu cultural values and sustainability initiatives

Skills

Public speaking

Leadership

Storytelling

Customer service

Tour guiding

Weather knowledge

Education

Astronomy-related qualification

First Aid Certificate

Job description

Permanent, Full-time | Lake Takapō, Mackenzie District

Are you passionate about astronomy, storytelling, and sharing the wonders of the night sky? Do you thrive in a leadership role and enjoy creating unforgettable experiences for visitors? Join our team at Dark Sky Project and help guide manuhiri (visitors) on an extraordinary journey through the stars!

About The Role

As a Lead Tour Guide, you’ll play a key role in ensuring our astronomy tours are engaging, safe, and memorable. You’ll support and mentor our guiding team, coordinate tour logistics, and lead world-class night-time experiences at Lake Takapō, Ōtehiwai/Mt John, and Cowan’s Observatory.

Manaakitaka (hospitality and care) is at the heart of what we do, and you’ll help foster an environment where our team and guests feel like whānau. This role also contributes to the Ngāi Tahu legacy, ensuring that the tribal pūtea and settlement assets continue to grow for future generations. “Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei – for us and our children after us.”

What You’ll Do

• Lead and support guides to deliver exceptional, immersive astronomy experiences
• Motivate and develop the team, ensuring engagement and excellence in customer service
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of astronomy and communicate complex concepts in an accessible way
• Coordinate tour operations, including scheduling and safety-based decision-making
• Drive manuhiri between tour locations as required (NZ driver’s licence and P endorsement required)
• Provide a welcoming, engaging, and educational experience for all visitors
• Support retail and customer service operations when needed
• Champion Ngāi Tahu cultural values and contribute to sustainability initiatives

What You’ll Bring

• Applicants must have either:
  • A minimum of three years of relevant work experience in astronomy or a related scientific field, or
  • A relevant qualification in astronomy or a related scientific field
• Experience in public speaking, education, or tour guiding
• Be familiar and understand the unique Mackenzie District weather patterns
• A passion for storytelling and inspiring people about the wonders of the night sky
• Strong leadership skills and a commitment to fostering a positive team culture
• Customer service experience, with a warm and engaging personality
• A valid NZ driver’s licence and P endorsement (or ability to obtain one)
• First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain one)
• A connection to or eagerness to learn about Ngāi Tahu values, tikanga, and te reo Māori

Why Join Us?

• Work in one of the most breathtaking locations in Aotearoa
• Be part of an organisation driven by manaakitaka and cultural connection
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Help protect and share the beauty of the night sky with people from around the world
• Competitive salary and benefits

Ready to Join the Dark Sky Project Whānau?

If you’re excited about leading a passionate team and delivering world-class astronomy experiences, we’d love to hear from you!

Dark Sky Project is proudly part of Ngāi Tahu Tourism, committed to delivering unforgettable visitor experiences while upholding the values of our people and place.