Job Vacancies

Position: Senior Raft Guide/Trip Leader. Applications for senior guide now closed, take a look at our raft guide openings below. 

Awastone is based in Mangaweka, we are a river adventure company that also operates a busy cafe, campground and riverside accommodation. Our adventures are all based on Grade 2 so our customers range from family groups, social clubs, schools and international travellers looking to experience the beautiful gorges of the Rangitikei River.

Our guides need to be able to connect with a wide range of ages, cultures and adventurous inclination. Guiding roles include Grade 2 family fun rafting, kayak instruction and oar guiding.

Most of our staff live on site so must be willing to be a part of a fun loving tight knit team.

 
We are looking for 4 full time raft guides with a minimum of Grade 3 raft guide qualifications to lead our team on rotation starting this coming spring - ready for a busy summer season. We will need people starting as early as October 15th and committed through till easter 2026 . 

Required qualifications

Raft guide qualification Grade 3 or higher
Current first aid certificate

Previous experience as a kayak instructor

Require a minimum of 2 years experience as a raft guide

Renumeration:

Starting wage at $30 per hour

Hours expected between 30 to 40 hours per week

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Position: River Guide

Join our crew at Awastone on the Rangitikei River

Awastone is based in Mangaweka, we are a river adventure company that also operates a busy cafe, campground and riverside accommodation. Our adventures are all based on Grade 2 so our customers range from family groups, social clubs, schools and international travellers looking to experience the beautiful gorges of the Rangitikei River.

Our guides need to be able to connect with a wide range of ages, cultures and adventurous inclination. Guiding roles include Grade 2 family fun rafting, kayak instruction and oar guiding.

Most of our staff live on site so must be willing to be a part of a fun loving tight knit team.

 
We are looking for river guides to start in November ready for a busy summer season. We will need people starting in the first week of November and committed through till february 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity for guides starting out to learn on the job

Required qualifications

Raft guide qualification Grade 2 or higher ( can gain on the job)
Current first aid certificate

P endorsement an advantage

Renumeration:

Starting wage at $26 per hour

Hours expected between 20-30 hours per week

 
If this sounds like you -  email us at paule@mangaweka.co.nz 

Raft Guides Wanted – Join the TRR Whānau

Are you a fun-loving, hard-working self-starter?
Do you thrive in the outdoors and want to be part of an experienced, passionate team on one of Aotearoa’s most iconic rivers?

We’re on the lookout for NZ-qualified Grade 3 Raft Guides to join us for the upcoming rafting season on the beautiful and technically challenging Tongariro River, based in Tūrangi.

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About the Role

This role can start as early as September and runs through to the end of April, offering a mix of exciting opportunities:

Guiding Grade 3 Whitewater trips
Grade 2 Family Adventures

Rowing oar boats for fishing clients
Potential to assist in mountain bike guiding
Contributing to conservation efforts for the endangered native Whio (Blue Duck)

Trips range from 2 hours to full-day missions – so variety is guaranteed!

You’ll work a 6-day-on, 2-day-off rotating roster, including weekends and public holidays. We offer staff accommodation, a supportive team culture, and an incredible lifestyle here in Tūrangi at the southern end of Lake Taupō.

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What You Need to Bring

 NZ Grade 3 Raft Guide Award (or higher)
Minimum 3 years of commercial rafting experience
Current First Aid Certificate
Willingness to take a pre-employment drug test
Positive attitude and adaptability – no two days are the same!

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What’s in it for You

Starting pay: $30 per hour (with potential to earn more based on experience)
Staff accommodation available
Get involved in conservation projects
Be part of an experienced and tight-knit team
Hone your skills on one of NZ’s most technical commercial rivers

How to Apply:

If you think you’ve got the skills, energy, and spirit to be part of the Tongariro River Rafting crew, we’d love to hear from you.

Send your CV and a short cover letter telling us why you’d be a great fit to: sam@trr.co.nz

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Let’s get you on board for a season of laughs, thrills, and purpose.

Keen to Join the Rotorua Rafting Whānau?

We’re looking for a Grade 4/5 Raft Guide or Senior Grade 4/5 Guide to join the team and help us keep sending it.

The season has kept going, and a bunch of our crew are heading off on their winter missions. Shout out if you are keen to jump in for a few weeks or through the winter. We would be stoked to hear from you.

Must be a GC (good character), not lazy and down to do cool shit after work.

Give us a call on 021020607441 or sam@rotorua-rafting.co.nz

Raft guiding positions available at the iconic Kaituna Cascades rafting company. 
 
We are based in Okere falls - Rotorua & have a mint base right beside the Kaituna river where we raft 3-4 epic tours a day with a world class team and good vibes.
 
We are looking for 5 full time raft guides that will have their NZ grade 4/5 rafting licence or equivalent (or can pass the assessment shortly) to join our team this coming spring - ready for a busy summer season. We will need people starting as early as 1st of April through to September onwards for this season 2025 onwards.
 
The job will include rafting, safety kayaking & photography.
Pay rate will be between $40 per hour, 40 hours - 5 days a week.  Needs 2 years experiences as a raft guide
 
We are also searching for a young (18+) trainee that is looking for long term guiding opportunity - ideally with whitewater kayaking skills and outdoor adventure training.. Must be strong, athletic & have great banter to deal with the clients.
 
All applicants must be stoked & friendly and happy to work in a hard working team environment. 
You will need or be able to get a current 1st aid certificate, a Swiftwater rescue course and be able to pass a pre - employment drug test.
 
If this is you - call or email us at info@kaitunacascades.co.nz or 027 2765457
 
Cheers - Pete & Blue
Kaituna Cascades

Experienced and qualified Riverboarding Guides required.
Must hold Whitewater Boarding Grade 3 qualification. Based in Queenstown November to May.
 
Varied work pattern at least 30 hours per week.
 
Pay $900 to $1800 p/w

Contact Neil - 0274676550 or neil@riverboarding.co.nz

Are you keen for a change next summer, or a challenge on a new river?
 
Come and join the Mohaka Rafting Team. We’re looking for a Grade 4/5 Raft Guide or Senior Grade 4/5 Guide to join the team and help us keep sending it. ​
We are looking for a guide to join us for the 25/26 summer. Running trips on our Grade 2, 3 and 4/5 sections.
 
If you're interested or want to know more, get in touch. mohakarafting@gmail.com or 0211429842 ​

Experienced and qualified Riverboarding Guides required. Must hold Whitewater Boarding Grade 3 qualification.

Based in Queenstown November to May Varied work pattern at least 30 hours per week.
Pay $900 to $1800 p/w

Contact Neil on 0274676550 or neil@riverboarding.co.nz