Head Guide – Kaikoura Kayaks Contract Full Time

Kaikoura Kayaks has been operating for over 26 years and committed to delivering a quality service to international and domestic visitors.

Our family owner operated award winning business is famous for its 1/2 day “Wildlife Kayaking” tours around the beautiful rugged Kaikoura Peninsula.

A full time Head Guides Position is available from February 2026.

Kaikoura Kayaks is seeking a self motivated responsible Head Guide with good leadership and strong paddle skills while being passionate about paddling, working well in a small team environment and leading by example.

Seasonal and full time contracts are available with benefits.

• 30hrs or more guaranteed weekly full time position
• Guiding for a small Kiwi owner operated kayak company that is passionate about paddling and upskilling guides for the benefit of the Tourism Industry.
• NZOIA Sea Kayak 1 assessment fees funded by Kaikoura Kayaks for all returning guides at the end of a second full guiding season.
• A mentor will be available for guides sitting the NZOIA Sea Kayak 1 award.

Our kayaking operation is at its peak during the summer season running three tours daily and two tours over the winter months.

You will be guiding and instructing clients amongst the NZ Fur Seals, Dusky Dolphins, Little Blue Penguins and Whales over the annual Humpback migration.

Applicants MUST have:

• Clean full New Zealand drivers license held for over two years or Small P-Endorsement drivers license
• Strong paddle skills with a bomber kayak roll.
• A passion for kayaking and marine mammals, diversity for all cultures, excellent communication and customer service skills.
• A minimum of one year Outdoor Leadership and Recreation or Adventure Tourism or experience in the industry.
• Ideally you hold the NZOIA Sea Kayak Leader qualification and have a strong kayak roll or can demonstrate personal skills to this level.
• An advantage would be to have previous experience as a senior or head guide, hold the NZOIA Sea Kayak Guides award and P-Endorsement drivers license.

If you enjoy a range of challenges amongst a multitude of marine life, while living in a beautiful coastal town then we would love to hear from you!

Intake – April / May 2026.

Applications close 6th April 2026.

A job description and application is available on request.

Must have’s! Pervious Experience Sea Kayak Guiding Clean full New Zealand drivers license held for over two years or P-Endorsement drivers license. Strong paddle skills and can kayak roll 5 time’s on one side.