We take regular stops on the trail to refuel |  <i>Lachlan Gardiner</i>
 

Work with us

*Applications for the 2026/27 Guiding Season Are Now Closed*

Thank you for your interest in joining the Adventure South guiding team.
Recruitment for each summer season takes place between May and July, with successful applicants joining us for our operating season from October through to May. This page will be updated when applications for the 2027/28 guiding season open.
 

Share New Zealand with the World 

At Adventure South NZ, we believe the best holidays are built around genuine conn
ections, unforgettable landscapes and passionate people. 

For over 30 years, we've been creating premium active holidays that showcase the very best of New Zealand. Our success comes from the people who bring those journeys to life – guides who are knowledgeable, adaptable, professional and genuinely love helping others experience this incredible country. 

If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you when our next recruitment window opens. Meet the rest of our team here!

 

Guide with us

Adventure South NZ specialises in guided cycling holidays, alongside a selection of hiking and multi-activity adventures throughout New Zealand. Cycling is at the heart of what we do, so we're looking for people with strong cycling experience and a genuine passion for helping others enjoy life on two wheels.

Our guides are far more than trip leaders. They're welcoming hosts, trusted travel companions, problem-solvers and storytellers who help guests connect with New Zealand, its people and each other.

Whether you're leading guests along the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, sharing the stories of Central Otago, or helping a rider conquer a challenging climb, you'll play an important role in creating holidays that guests remember for years to come.

 

What we're looking for

We are looking for people who:

🚲Have a genuine passion for creating exceptional guest experiences.

🚲Build positive relationships and make guests feel welcome, safe and included.

🚲Work collaboratively and communicate openly and professionally.

🚲Stay calm, adaptable and solution-focused when plans change.

🚲Are organised, proactive and take pride in the details.

🚲Have experience in cycling, hiking or other outdoor pursuits and enjoy sharing that passion with others.

🚲Confidently share the stories of New Zealand's landscapes, history, culture and wildlife.

🚲Demonstrate sound judgement, professionalism and a strong commitment to safety.

🚲Hold, or have a plan to obtain before the season begins, a current First Aid certificate, Class 2 licence and P Endorsement.

 

A place to grow

We recognise that great guides are developed over time. 

While previous guiding experience is valuable, we're equally interested in people who are enthusiastic, curious and committed to learning. Through training, mentoring and on-trip experience, our guides continue to build their skills and progress within Adventure South. 

We also value people who see adventure tourism as more than a single season. Many of our guides return year after year, developing deeper knowledge of our trips, destinations and guests while helping shape the culture of our team. 

 

Why guide with Adventure South?

One of the things that makes guiding with Adventure South unique is the variety. 

Rather than leading the same trip week after week, our guides work across a diverse range of cycling, hiking and adventure itineraries throughout New Zealand. From Great Rides and gravel adventures to hiking journeys and multi-activity holidays, every season brings new places, new challenges and new experiences. 

Whether you're looking to guide throughout the season or take on a smaller number of departures, we aim to build a team that supports both our guides and our guests. 

 

Recruitment

Our recruitment period runs from May to July each year for the following summer season (October–May). 

When applications open, this page will be updated with information about the application process, role requirements and how to apply. 

For more information about our guiding roles, please contact Jessica Halsey, Operations Manager: [email protected]  

All of our guides receive focused training every season, on our current fleet of bikes and loading procedures for our bespoke trailers |  Izzi Barton We support our guides with tailored matauranga & purakau (cultural knowledge & traditional stories) for sharing in the field. |  Izzi Barton All of our guides receive focused training every season, on our current fleet of bikes and loading procedures for our bespoke trailers |  Izzi Barton

Our Travel Style - What You Can Expect

    A Support Vehicle

    We don't expect everyone to move at the same pace. All of our trips include a late model support vehicle that are well-maintained and safe. Cyclists can ride as far or as little as they feel comfortable knowing that the support vehicle is never far away, while hikers will enjoy the freedom of not having to carry a full pack every day. Our support vehicles will have limited trail access in some areas, but our guides will let you know how far it is until the next stop. We also store and transfer luggage in our purpose built trailers.


    Experienced Guides

    Our dedicated team of guides are passionate about showing you the natural areas of New Zealand and introducing you to the limitless adventure opportunities. Our guides play a huge part in the overall experience of our trips, which is why we provide two experienced guides on any trip with over 7 people.


    Meals and Snacks

    You won't go hungry on one of our trips, that's for sure. Our support vehicle is always loaded with healthy snacks and treats, a coffee or picnic stop is never far around the corner, and our lunch and dinner locations have been carefully selected. Our trips include all breakfasts, and most other meals which are listed on your trips inclusions.

    Comfortable Accommodation

There's nothing better than arriving to your accommodation after a day on the bike, knowing you can relax in comfort. Typically our tours include a mix of 3-4 star motel, hotel, farm-stay, lodge and heritage accommodation. We aim to select locally run accommodation where possible to add to your experience. Most of our rooms are ensuited, but please check our trip page for a more detailed description of accommodation as some of our back-country and heritage accommodation have shared bathroom facilities.


    Small Groups

    We think small is good. Travelling in a group between 4 and 14 people limits the environmental impact, allows you to make life-long friendships, and ensures your travels are fully immersive. Travel like a local, at a relaxed pace and away from the crowds. We couldn't think of a better way to see NZ.

     

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