Sea Kayak Guide – Kaikoura Kayaks Contract Full Time

Kaikoura Kayaks has been operating for over 28 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.

Full Time & Part Time Guiding positions are available from February 2026.

Kaikoura Kayaks are seeking self motivated, responsible, organized Guides with strong paddle skills that are passionate about paddling while working well in a small team environment.

Seasonal and full time contracts are available with benefits.

• 30hrs or more guaranteed weekly full time position.
• 20hrs or more guaranteed weekly part time position.
• Pro Deals on outdoor equipment and clothing available.
• 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 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.
• 25An advantage would be to hold the NZOIA Sea Kayak Guides award and Small 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 – February to March 2026.

Applications close 23rd February 2026.

A job description and application is available on request.

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