Lead Japanese-language tours departing Auckland, providing engaging commentary on Māori culture, New Zealand history, nature, wildlife, and key attractions. Drive and maintain company vehicles, conduct safety and biosecurity procedures, and respond to changing conditions during tours. Coordinate with tourism operators, manage bookings and tickets, prepare and wrap up tours, collect feedback, and support Japanese-speaking guests throughout their journey. Ensure participants enjoy a safe, informative, and memorable experience from pickup to drop-off.

Navi Tours New Zealand is an Auckland-based, Qualmark-endorsed tour operator. We run Japanese-language guided tours of New Zealand for Japanese-speaking visitors. Our tours cover Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Waipoua Forest, Tiritiri Matangi Island, the Waitākere Ranges, Matakana and Auckland-region wineries. We also run multi-day North Island itineraries and private tours.

We are looking for a Tour Guide to lead these tours.

About the role

The role is based in Auckland. Tours depart from and return to Auckland. You will deliver our Japanese-language tours from start to finish. This includes collecting participants from their Auckland accommodation, driving the tour vehicle, giving commentary, looking after the group during the day and returning everyone to their pick-up point. Your main tasks are to:

•    Lead day and multi-day tours departing Auckland. Provide Japanese-language commentary on Māori culture and history, New Zealand natural history, geology and geothermal features, native flora and fauna, film tourism sites and local heritage. Adapt commentary, pace and walking distances to each group.

•    Drive the company vehicle to and from tour destinations. Carry out pre-departure checks and keep the vehicle clean and serviceable between tours.

•    Deliver safety briefings and carry out hazard checks. Apply Department of Conservation protocols, including kauri dieback measures and Tiritiri Matangi biosecurity procedures. Respond to incidents during the tour, including first aid, weather changes and lost participants.

•    Coordinate on the day with attraction operators and partners, including Hobbiton, Waitomo operators, Te Puia, ferry operators and wineries. Manage tickets, bookings, participant lists and on-tour costs.

•    Prepare for each tour, welcome and orient participants, gather feedback and report to the operations team.

•    Support Japanese-speaking clients before, during and after the tour. Help participants with practical orientation to New Zealand, such as currency and etiquette.

Hours and pay

Permanent, full-time, with a minimum of 30 guaranteed hours per week. Start and finish times vary with the tour roster. Weekend and public holiday work is part of the role.

$28.00 to $35.00 per hour   ·   paid monthly

What you’ll need

•    A qualification at NZQCF Level 4 or above (or an equivalent overseas qualification) in tourism, intercultural or international studies, cultural studies, languages or a related field, or at least three years’ relevant experience involving intercultural communication, delivering commentary or information to groups, and managing the customer or visitor experience independently.

•    Native or near-native Japanese, because the tours are delivered in Japanese to Japanese-speaking visitors. Working English for dealing with operators, accommodation providers and others during the day.

•    A full New Zealand driver licence (Class 1) with a current passenger (P) endorsement, or eligibility to apply for one. Holders of an overseas licence must convert it within the time allowed under New Zealand law.

•    A current first aid certificate, or willingness to obtain one at our cost. A clean driving record.

•    Physical fitness for light to moderate walks at tour sites, including bush tracks. Availability for weekend and public holiday work.

The role suits someone with good interpersonal skills who can manage groups of mixed ages and abilities and work independently across a full tour day.

Training

We provide a structured induction covering tour routes, commentary content, supplier protocols, Māori cultural content, Department of Conservation procedures, vehicle operation and our health and safety policies. We also support first aid renewal and relevant further training.

How to apply

Apply through this listing with your CV and a short covering note. Applications close 29th October 2026.

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