At RealNZ, we create extraordinary experiences in some of Aotearoa's most iconic environments. We're now looking for an experienced Nature Guide Manager to lead the delivery of our world-renowned Te Anau Glowworm Caves experience, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, and a high-performing team.

About the role

This is a pivotal leadership role where you'll oversee the day-to-day operation of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves experience while leading and developing a team of passionate Nature Guides.

Working closely with the Experience Manager – Caves & Guiding Project Lead, you'll ensure the seamless delivery of daily operations, maintain exceptional safety and service standards, and drive continuous improvement across the experience. You'll play a key role in shaping both the guest journey and the development of your team, helping to create unforgettable moments for visitors from around the world.

What you'll be doing

• Lead and develop the Nature Guide team, creating a positive, engaged, and high-performing culture
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, training, competency sign-offs, and ongoing staff development
• Coordinate daily staffing, deployment, and operational resources to ensure exceptional guest experiences
• Oversee the day-to-day delivery of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves experience, ensuring safe and efficient operations
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, product enhancements, and service excellence
• Ensure Health & Safety systems, emergency procedures, and compliance requirements are maintained and continuously improved
• Manage operational supplies, equipment, maintenance requirements, and site presentation standards
• Support financial performance through effective rostering, expenditure management, and operational reporting
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to enhance product delivery and achieve operational goals

What you'll bring

• Proven experience leading teams within tourism, guiding, hospitality, or visitor experience environments
• Strong people leadership skills with experience coaching, developing, and motivating teams
• Experience managing operational delivery, workforce planning, and staff deployment
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• A strong understanding of interpretation and creating engaging, meaningful guest experiences
• At least three years' experience in nature guiding or a similar operational tourism environment
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt in dynamic environments
• Experience in recruitment, performance management, budgeting, or operational reporting would be advantageous

What's in it for you?

• Be part of a business that cares deeply about people, place, and the environment
• Enjoy some incredible staff perks! Bring a friend along to experience RealNZ's unforgettable adventures at a fantastic discount, explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, cruise Milford & Doubtful Sound, dine at Walter Peak, and discover Rakiura
• FREE Cardrona/Treble Cone season pass
• Medical insurance cover included
• Interim accommodation may be available for the right applicant
• Opportunities for leadership development and career growth

Real people, real places, real experiences. Welcome to Real.

When's the best time to join the Real whānau? Now's good.

We're the conservation business that's enabled by tourism. We're helping the world fall in love with conservation, one guest at a time. We inspire people to leave places better than they found them, delivering a guest-centric approach that creates Aotearoa's most unforgettable experiences.

It's our unique environment that makes careers at RealNZ truly special. From secluded islands to scenic fiords and snow-capped maunga, no two days are the same. Our people, places, and work are diverse, dynamic, and full of purpose.

At RealNZ, we're committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Guided by our values of Pono (Keep it real) and He waka eke noa (We're all in this together), we celebrate the perspectives and experiences that make our team stronger. Everyone is welcome here.

How to apply

Click Apply to be taken to our careers page.

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