Customer Experience and Tour Guide

Dark Sky Project | Lake Takapō (Mackenzie District)

Full-time | Permanent

Are you fluent in Mandarin and English and passionate about creating unforgettable experiences?

Join us at the Dark Sky Project, where you’ll connect manuhiri (visitors) from around the world to one of Aotearoa’s most breathtaking environments — the world-renowned Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

This is more than a job — it’s your chance to share stories, spark wonder, and be part of something truly special.

What makes this role special?

• A rare opportunity to guide and host Mandarin-speaking visitors in a world-class tourism experience
• Work under some of the clearest night skies on the planet
• Be part of a values-led Ngāi Tahu Tourism business grounded in manaakitanga
• A dynamic role combining guiding, customer experience, retail, and storytelling

About the role

As a key member of our front-facing team, you’ll:

• Deliver engaging, bilingual (Mandarin & English) guided experiences and customer interactions
• Host and welcome visitors, ensuring every guest feels valued and connected
• Share astronomy and cultural narratives in a way that is accessible, engaging, and memorable
• Support bookings, enquiries, and retail operations
• Help create a seamless, world-class visitor journey across all touchpoints

What you’ll bring

• Fluency in both Mandarin and English (essential)
• Confidence speaking to groups and delivering engaging experiences
• Experience in customer service, tourism, retail, or hospitality
• A positive, energetic approach and genuine passion for people
• Willingness to learn and share astronomy knowledge
• An appreciation for, or openness to learning, Ngāi Tahu values, te reo Māori and tikanga

Why you’ll love working with us

• Live and work in the stunning Mackenzie District
• Join a supportive, values-driven team that feels like whānau
• Grow your skills across multiple areas of tourism and guiding
• Be part of something bigger — connecting people to place, culture, and the stars

Pre-employment checks include

• Ministry of Justice criminal history check
• Drug & Alcohol testing

Ready to take your place under the stars?

If you’re a confident bilingual communicator who loves creating meaningful experiences, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and bring the Dark Sky Project to life for visitors from around the world.