Glacier Guide | Franz Josef Glacier Guides
Job Description
Franz Josef | Te Tai o Poutini (West Coast)
Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei – for us and our children after us
Kia ora – ready for a career that’s anything but ordinary?
Life is too short to be stuck inside. If you’re driven by adventure, purpose, and people — and want to work in one of Aotearoa’s most iconic natural environments — this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Franz Josef Glacier Guides, part of Ngāi Tahu Tourism, are looking for passionate, safety‑focused Glacier Guides / Kaiārahi to join our guiding team on a permanent, full‑time basis.
Whether you’re already experienced on ice or ready to develop your glacier guiding career, we’re keen to hear from people with the right attitude, fitness, and commitment to excellence.
About us
Ngāi Tahu Tourism is one of Aotearoa’s largest tourism operators. We are proud to deliver world‑class experiences while upholding manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, and tikaka Kāi Tahu in everything we do.
At Franz Josef Glacier Guides, we warmly welcome manuhiri from around the world, connecting them to place, people, and story — while operating in one of the most dynamic and demanding alpine environments in the country.
The role – Te Arotahi Matua
As a Glacier Guide / Kaiārahi, you’ll deliver exceptional guided glacier experiences while working under appropriate supervision and within robust safety systems.
You’ll be responsible for:
Guiding commercial clients in a high‑risk glaciated environment
Delivering engaging, informative interpretation
Identifying hazards and contributing to dynamic risk assessment
Maintaining equipment, systems, and professional standards
Upholding Ngāi Tahu values and creating memorable, safe experiences
You’ll be supported by an experienced team and a structured training pathway aligned with New Zealand Mountain Guides Association (NZMGA) standards.
Who we’re looking for
We’re seeking people who are:
Passionate about guiding and developing their craft
Physically fit and comfortable working in challenging alpine conditions
Calm, professional, and safety‑focused under pressure
Customer‑centred, confident communicators with strong manaakitanga
Team players who value integrity, respect, and accountability
Open to learning and engaging with Ngāi Tahu values and te reo Māori
Experience & qualifications
We welcome applications from:
Experienced Guides
Minimum 3 years’ experience in glacier, alpine, mountaineering, or technical outdoor leadership roles
Demonstrated competence in glacier travel, rope systems, crevasse hazard management, and client movement
Experience guiding commercial clients in high‑risk outdoor environments
NZMGA Hard Ice Guide (HIG) certification or active progression toward it (highly desirable)
Developing Guides
Strong foundational alpine or outdoor leadership experience
Willingness and capability to train toward NZMGA HIG certification
Commitment to ongoing assessment, learning, and development
Additional requirements:
Current First Aid certificate (PHEC or equivalent preferred, or willingness to obtain)
Class 1 driver licence (P endorsement, or willingness to obtain)
Avalanche awareness training is an advantage
Formal qualifications are not mandatory if you meet the experience requirements.
What we offer
Competitive pay
Accommodation provided in Franz Josef
Comprehensive training and assessment programme
Earn while you learn NZMGA‑aligned glacier guiding skills
All technical equipment supplied (boots, crampons, harness, ice axe, wet weather gear)
A strong, supportive team culture
The opportunity to live and work on the spectacular West Coast of Te Waipounamu
Health & Safety
Your safety, our team’s safety, and our customers’ safety come first.
Employment is subject to pre‑employment checks, including drug and ******* testing.
Keen to apply?
Applications are assessed as they’re received, so we encourage you to apply early.
To learn more about us:
Franz Josef Glacier Guides – New Zealand Glacier Experience
www.ngaitahutourism.co.nz
Job Details
Reference #
36784
Business areas
Franz Josef Glacier Guides
Posted on
Wednesday 29 Jul 2026
Closes on
26 Aug 2026 12:00
Expertise
Hospitality & Tourism, Sport & Recreation
Work type(s)
Full-time, Permanent
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