Nature Guide Manager - Te Anau Glowworm Caves

About the Role

RealNZ is seeking an accomplished Nature Guide Manager to take charge of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves experience. This position is central to delivering outstanding visitor experiences, maintaining smooth day-to-day operations, and supporting a capable and motivated guide team.

Reporting to the Experience Manager – Caves & Guiding Project Lead, you will oversee daily site operations, protect high standards of safety and service, and continuously improve how the experience is delivered. The role also plays an important part in guiding team development and shaping memorable moments for guests visiting from around the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and grow the Nature Guide team to build a positive, committed, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Handle hiring, onboarding, training, competency checks, and ongoing staff development.
• Plan daily staffing levels, resource allocation, and operational deployment to support excellent guest service.
• Manage the everyday operation of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves experience with a focus on safety, efficiency, and consistency.
• Introduce and support improvement initiatives, product enhancements, and service quality uplift.
• Maintain health and safety systems, emergency response processes, and compliance obligations, while looking for ways to strengthen them.
• Oversee equipment, supplies, maintenance needs, and the presentation standards of the site.
• Contribute to financial outcomes through sound rostering, cost control, and operational reporting.
• Work with internal teams and stakeholders to improve product delivery and meet operational objectives.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven leadership experience in tourism, guiding, hospitality, or a visitor experience setting.
• Strong people leadership capability, including coaching, development, and team motivation.
• Hands-on experience in operational delivery, workforce planning, and staff allocation.
• Well-developed communication and stakeholder management skills.
• An understanding of interpretation and how to create meaningful, engaging guest experiences.
• At least 3 years of experience in nature guiding or a comparable tourism operations role.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to remain effective in changing environments.
• Prior exposure to recruitment, performance management, budgeting, or operational reporting would be an advantage.

Benefits and Perks

• Join an organisation that values people, place, and the natural environment.
• Staff discounts that allow you to bring a friend for RealNZ adventures at a great rate, including the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, Milford and Doubtful Sound cruises, Walter Peak dining, and Rakiura experiences.
• Complimentary Cardrona/Treble Cone season pass.
• Medical insurance cover is included.
• Interim accommodation may be available for the right person.
• Opportunities to build leadership capability and progress your career.

About RealNZ

RealNZ is a tourism business with a strong conservation focus, creating remarkable experiences across some of Aotearoa’s most iconic landscapes. The company aims to inspire guests to care for and leave places better than they found them, delivering experiences with a guest-first approach.

Work at RealNZ is shaped by diverse locations and environments, from islands and fiords to alpine settings, with a strong sense of purpose and variety in the day-to-day experience. The company is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and welcomes people from all backgrounds.

Additional Information

This is a permanent, full-time role based in Te Anau, Southland, New Zealand.

Job level: Experienced and Management.

Reference number: 43271.

Application closing date: 22 Jul 2026 at 17:00.

More details are available in the position description document.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the employer’s careers page.