Glacier Guide | Franz Josef Glacier Guides

Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Franz Josef

Description

Permanent | Full-time
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 alcohol 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