Active Adventures Hiking Guide

Join the Active Adventures 2026/27 Guide Team

Ditch the desk, hit the trails, and get paid to live the dream! Lead epic NZ adventures this summer!

At Active Adventures, our purpose is simple — to inspire people to live an adventurous life. We believe the most meaningful journeys are the ones we share, and we’re on a mission to help others explore the world in ways that spark curiosity, connection, and unforgettable memories. So… are you ready to Lead the Adventure?

Role Overview
Our Hiking Guides play a key role in creating exceptional experiences for our international clients. The role includes both group and individual care, activity leadership, and (depending on your designated position) either preparing well-presented meals or safely and legally operating our vehicles throughout the trip.

You will work as part of a guide team—typically alongside another Hiking Guide (Cook or Driver)—to ensure trips are delivered in line with Active Adventures’ culture, values, and operating procedures.

This role requires a wide range of life skills, practical abilities, and a genuine passion for the outdoors. It’s a position best suited to those seeking a lifestyle-based career, given the nature and rhythm of the work.

Hiking Guide Cook

• Responsible for meal planning, preparation, and presentation
• Ensures dietary needs are met with empathy and care
• Works in tandem with the Hiking Guide Driver to support client experience and safety

Hiking Guide Driver

• Responsible for the safe and legal operation of vehicles throughout the trip
• Supports group logistics and manages group dynamics
• Works closely with the Hiking Guide Cook to deliver a seamless client experience

Reporting and Schedule

• You will report directly to the NZ Operations Team, as instructed throughout the season
• Your working dates are as outlined in your employment agreement
• You are expected to be away from home for extended periods (e.g., up to 2 weeks at a time)

Licences and Certifications

• Full Class 2 licence and current passenger endorsement for large vehicles (Hiking Guide Drivers only)
• Food Safety Certificate (obtained by you before your first rostered trip if successful)
• First Aid Certificate (paid for by Active Adventures - we will chat to you about this during the onboarding process)

Personal Attributes and Skills

• Safety-conscious and professional always
• Strong organisational skills; tidy, efficient, and calm under pressure
• Excellent people skills with empathy and cultural awareness
• Confident communicator with strong group management ability
• Motivated, punctual, enthusiastic, and well-groomed
• Positive, outgoing, and able to maintain high energy throughout the trip
• Caring, patient, and a strong team player with common sense
• Reasonably fit with a mature and healthy attitude
• Committed to a drug-free workplace and safe working environment

Experience and Knowledge

• Passion for and experience in the outdoors, especially hiking
• Confident in the kitchen with a flair for food presentation
• Able to cater to varied dietary needs
• Knowledge of New Zealand’s flora, fauna, culture, and history
• Comfortable interacting with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds
• Committed to delivering exceptional customer service with attention to detail

What We Can Offer You:

• An office like no other — dynamic, inspiring, and set in nature’s playground
• Competitive pay + incentives + welcome bonus
• Career support and development to help you continuously grow
• A hands-on operations team supporting you from the ground up
• Forget rent and groceries — we’ve got you covered whilst you're on the road
• Most of our trips kick off and wrap up in Christchurch. No matter where you’re coming from, just be here for pre-trip — and we’ve got your accommodation (and car parking) covered before and after the adventure!

Ready to Apply?
This isn’t just a job — it’s a lifestyle!
You'll need to complete a registration form via the 'apply' button on the left. And please — bring your personality on your application. We want to see the real you. Get creative and tell us why you belong on this adventure.

You will need the following:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Drivers Licence 
  
• Passport (if non resident/citizen)