Rakiura
Job Description
This summer, trade the ordinary for the extraordinary on Rakiura/Stewart Island — a place of rare wildlife, rainforests, rugged coastlines, and magical night skies.
We're looking for passionate nature lovers to join our team as Experience Crew Guides. If you thrive in the outdoors, love sharing stories, and have a knack for spotting kiwi in the wild, this could be your dream role.
What you'll do:
As an Experience Crew Guide, you'll wear many hats — naturalist, storyteller, host, and adventurer. Your days could include:
Leading small-group kiwi-spotting experiences under the stars
Guiding daytime nature walks on the predator-free Ulva Island, or delivering an historical walking experience at the remote Oneke location
Delivering engaging commentary and creating unforgettable guest experiences
Supporting daily operations, which may include retail, wharf, and some boat crewing duties
We're after someone who:
Has at least 12 months' guiding experience, or comes with maritime experience/qualifications
Is knowledgeable about local flora, fauna, and conservation
Is confident leading groups and sharing stories
Is comfortable working in low-light/nighttime conditions and in all weather
Is flexible with working evenings, weekends, and pitching in with the wider team
Is a team player with a positive attitude and a love for the outdoors
For our Oneke Experience Guides specifically, a genuine passion for learning basic Te Reo Māori and sharing Māori stories with our guests is important.
What do you get out of this?
Spend your summer working full-time in one of New Zealand's most stunning locations
Subsidised accommodation coupled with a great work-life balance
Unbeatable staff perks that let you experience the best of the South Island. Enjoy free or heavily discounted access to iconic adventures like white-water rafting on the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers, cruising the breathtaking Milford and Doubtful Sounds, exploring the magical Te Anau Glowworm Caves, and indulging in lakeside dining at the historic Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Real people, real places, real experiences. Welcome to Real.
When's the best time to join the Real whānau? Now's good.
We're the conservation business that's enabled by tourism. We're helping the world, one guest at a time, fall in love with conservation. We're inspiring people to leave their places in better conditions than when they found them. We channel a guest-centric approach that fuels our genuine promise to deliver Aotearoa's most unforgettable experiences.
It's our workplace environment that makes careers at RealNZ more exciting than the regular job. Working for Real could mean you're based anywhere between a secluded island, a scenic fiord, and a snow-capped maunga. Our people, places, and workdays are a great and diverse mixture. It keeps us on our toes and adds value and passion to our work.
At RealNZ, we're committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Guided by our values of Pono (Keep it real) and He waka eke noa (We're all in this together), we embrace and celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that make our team stronger. Everyone is welcome here.
Job Details
Company
RealNZ
Reference #
43601
Posted on
09 Jul 2026
Closes on
29 Jul 2026 17:00
Location(s)
Stewart Island
Expertise
Nature Guides - Stewart Island
Job level(s)
Entry/graduate, Experienced
Work type(s)
Fixed Term - Full Time
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