Tour Guide Fixed Term Contract

KiwiRail Freight; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel across New Zealand

Ongoing training and development

Career progression within KiwiRail

Job summary

KiwiRail is seeking a friendly and knowledgeable Tour Guide to lead premium rail holidays across New Zealand (3–17 days). You will deliver engaging storytelling, coordinate with partners, and ensure guests have an exceptional experience from arrival to farewell.

Ideal candidates bring strong customer service, fluent English, NZ destination knowledge, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with calm professionalism. A safety-first mindset and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience leading multi-day tours or hosted travel experiences.
• Outstanding customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand's destinations, history, culture, and visitor experiences.
• Excellent organisation skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Comfort using Microsoft Teams and other digital tools.
• High attention to detail and adaptability when plans change.
• Professional, calm and resilient in fast-paced environments.
• Strong commitment to safety and delivering high standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead fully guided rail holidays across New Zealand (3–17 days).
• Confidently manage day-to-day tour operations and coordinate with accommodation and activity providers.
• Adapt plans as needed and ensure guests feel informed, supported, and cared for.
• Represent Great Journeys New Zealand with professionalism and pride.
• Complete tour reporting and administration accurately and on time; support Tour Operations between tours.
• Promote safe practices and report hazards or incidents.

Skills

Experience leading multi-day tours

Outstanding customer service

Excellent spoken and written English

Knowledge of NZ destinations/history/c

Excellent organisation

MS Teams & digital tools

Attention to detail

Relationship building with guests/sup

Calm, resilient under pressure

Commitment to safety

Education

Travel or tourism qualification

Tools

Microsoft Teams

Job description

At KiwiRail, we're proud to connect people, places, and communities through sustainable travel. Great Journeys New Zealand showcases the very best of Aotearoa, offering premium rail holidays that combine world-class scenery with exceptional experiences.

Our people are at the heart of every journey. We work together to create memorable moments for our guests while supporting each other as one team. If you're passionate about New Zealand and enjoy creating meaningful connections with people, we'd love to welcome you on board.

As a Tour Guide, you'll lead fully guided rail holidays ranging from three to seventeen days, delivering exceptional experiences from arrival to farewell. You'll be the friendly face our guests remember, bringing New Zealand's history, culture, landscapes, and people to life through engaging storytelling and outstanding service.

No two tours are the same. You'll confidently manage day-to-day tour operations, coordinate with accommodation and activity providers, and adapt calmly when plans change. Throughout each journey, you'll ensure guests feel informed, supported, and cared for while representing Great Journeys New Zealand with professionalism and pride.

You'll also:

• Lead and accompany guests on premium multi-day rail holidays across New Zealand.
• Deliver engaging commentary about New Zealand's history, culture, geography, and destinations.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and memorable experience for every guest.
• Respond professionally to guest questions, requests, and unexpected situations.
• Build positive relationships with accommodation, transport, and activity providers.
• Monitor service quality and provide feedback to help improve future tours.
• Complete tour reporting and administration accurately and on time.
• Support the Tour Operations team between tours as required.
• Promote safe practices and report hazards or incidents in line with company procedures.

We're looking for someone who enjoys working with people and takes pride in creating exceptional travel experiences.

You'll bring:

• Experience leading multi-day tours, guided holidays, or hosted travel experiences.
• Outstanding customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand's destinations, history, culture, and visitor experiences.
• Excellent organisation skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Confidence using Microsoft Teams and other digital communication tools.
• High attention to detail and the flexibility to adapt when plans change.
• The ability to build positive relationships with guests, colleagues, and suppliers.
• A professional, calm, and resilient approach in a fast-paced environment.
• A strong commitment to safety and delivering consistently high standards.

It would also be beneficial if you have:

• Experience working in the tourism or travel industry.
• A recognised travel or tourism qualification.
• Knowledge of Te Reo Māori and an appreciation of the connection between whenua and tangata whenua.
• Familiarity with the Great Journeys New Zealand brand and products.

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you:

This is an opportunity to combine your passion for New Zealand with a career that creates lasting memories for travellers from around the world.

• The opportunity to travel throughout New Zealand while you work.
• A supportive team committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Opportunities to contribute ideas that shape future tours and experiences.
• Career development within KiwiRail and Great Journeys New Zealand.
• The satisfaction of representing one of New Zealand's most iconic travel brands.

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to Make a Difference?

If you enjoy sharing New Zealand's stories, thrive in dynamic environments, and are passionate about creating unforgettable travel experiences, we'd love to hear from you.

KiwiRail is committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and communities.