Working in New Zealand

Forum rules
Please avoid publishing details of access to sensitive areas with no tracks.

Working in New Zealand

Postby dee_legg » Sat 07 Nov, 2009 5:24 pm

I'm hoping to go to New Zealand for some time next year and would love to work over there and was just wondering if any BWT members had either worked for any bushwalk guiding companies over there or have been on any guided walks... I'd love to know which companies are worth having a look at from personal experience.
I currently guide in Tasmania, so hopefully that'll help if any opportunities arise.
Thanks in advance!
User avatar
dee_legg
Athrotaxis cupressoides
Athrotaxis cupressoides
 
Posts: 450
Joined: Mon 01 Oct, 2007 4:12 pm
Location: Hobart
Region: Tasmania
Gender: Female

Re: Working in New Zealand

Postby jcr_au » Sun 15 Nov, 2009 6:26 pm

We've just returned from doing the Routeburn Track with Ultimate Hikes out of Queenstown.

They do 3 day walks on the Routeburn, 5 day walks on the Milford (both departing every day) and regular walks on the Greenstone & Hollyford tracks. They also do day walks on the Routeburn & Milford. Each walk has a minimum of 3 guides, so you can see they have a fair number of staff.

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and our guides seemed very happy with the working conditions

John r
John R
"I don't want to achieve immortality through my work.
I want to achieve immortality through not dying."
User avatar
jcr_au
Athrotaxis cupressoides
Athrotaxis cupressoides
 
Posts: 172
Joined: Sun 15 Nov, 2009 5:24 pm
Location: Seymour
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

Re: Working in New Zealand

Postby Joel » Sat 02 Jan, 2010 10:54 am

I have not worked as a guide in NZ but have spent a fair amount of time over there and have worked with people that have guided on the Milford Track and Routeburn Track. Not to sound discouraging but as a very general rule apparently they prefer to hire people of almost any other nationality rather than Australians. The pay is dismal (why do you think 1 in 11 kiwis can currently be found in Aus?) $11 -$15 NZ dollars an hour.
Joel
Athrotaxis cupressoides
Athrotaxis cupressoides
 
Posts: 210
Joined: Mon 07 Jul, 2008 9:27 pm
Region: Tasmania

Re: Working in New Zealand

Postby dee_legg » Sun 03 Jan, 2010 2:27 pm

Thanks for the advice Joel... certainly sounds a bit rough!
User avatar
dee_legg
Athrotaxis cupressoides
Athrotaxis cupressoides
 
Posts: 450
Joined: Mon 01 Oct, 2007 4:12 pm
Location: Hobart
Region: Tasmania
Gender: Female

Re: Working in New Zealand

Postby tastrax » Mon 04 Jan, 2010 7:11 pm

Hi Dee,

I used to regularly travel to NZ for skiing and contemplated working over there as well. Unfortunately I found that is was better to return to Australia, work my butt off and save like crazy then spend more time in NZ without having to worry about working. It also gave me greater flexibility in my travel plans. Great place with lots to do and some great skiing!
Cheers - Phil

OSM Mapper
User avatar
tastrax
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 2048
Joined: Fri 28 Mar, 2008 6:25 pm
Location: What3words - epic.constable.downplayed
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS: RETIRED! - Parks and Wildlife Service
Region: Tasmania


Return to New Zealand

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 16 guests