Jet Boat Driver | Dart River

Put your licence to work on one of New Zealand’s most spectacular braided river systems

Permanent, fixed-term or casual | Full-time or part-time | Glenorchy

• Highly attractive wages reflecting your licence and commercial driving experience
• Drive an exceptional braided river route through a world-renowned landscape
• Join an experienced, safety-focused team at Dart River Adventures

Kia hiwa rā!

Are you an experienced commercial jet boat driver looking for your next great river?

Dart River Adventures is looking for an experienced Kaiuruki Waka | Jet Boat Driver who holds a current New Zealand Commercial Jet Boat Driver (River) Licence.

Based in Glenorchy, this is an opportunity to operate in an outstanding braided river environment, delivering safe, memorable and engaging experiences for manuhiri travelling deep into Te Wāhipounamu.

We are offering highly attractive wages that recognise the specialist capability, responsibility and experience you will bring to the role.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

We are open to permanent, fixed-term or casual arrangements, with full-time or part-time hours. Tell us what works for you—we would love to explore how you could join our experienced jet boat operations team.

You will safely operate commercial jet boats, deliver engaging commentary and connect manuhiri with the history, environment and Ngāi Tahu heritage of this special place. You will also contribute to the smooth running of daily operations through pre-departure and mechanical checks, accurate documentation, radio communication and practical support across the wider operation.

When you are not driving, you may assist with boat presentation, workshop activities, operational logistics, passenger transport and other duties that keep the experience running safely and effectively.

Mōu | About you

You Will Bring

• A current New Zealand Commercial Jet Boat Driver (River) Licence
• Proven commercial jet boat driving experience
• Strong river-reading, judgement and decision-making skills
• An uncompromising commitment to safety and operational standards
• The ability to remain calm, focused and professional in changing conditions
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• The confidence to deliver engaging commentary to manuhiri
• Good mechanical awareness and the ability to complete daily operational checks
• Physical fitness and the stamina required for a hands-on outdoor role
• A practical, positive approach and willingness to support the wider team
• Availability to work rostered shifts, including weekends and public holidays
• A full New Zealand driver licence
• A Class 2 driver licence, P endorsement, current first aid certificate and previous tourism experience would be advantageous.
• You will also be willing to learn and embrace Ngāi Tahu values, tikanga and te reo Māori as part of your development with us.

He aha mātou e tuku | What we offer

• Highly attractive wages reflecting your licence and experience
• Permanent, fixed-term or casual opportunities, with full-time or part-time options
• The opportunity to drive in a distinctive and professionally rewarding braided river environment
• A supportive and experienced operational team
• Ongoing professional and cultural development
• A varied, hands-on role where no two days are exactly the same
• The opportunity to strengthen your knowledge of Ngāi Tahutanga, tikanga and te reo Māori
• A values-led workplace that takes safety, teamwork and the manaaki of manuhiri seriously
• Access to Ngāi Tahu Tourism kaimahi benefits

Mō mātou | About us

Dart River Adventures combines spectacular braided river jet boating with breathtaking scenery, Māori heritage and a genuine connection to place.

As part of Ngāi Tahu Tourism, we are proud to be a values-led organisation that invests in the professional and cultural development of our kaimahi. Our purpose is bigger than tourism alone. Through our work, we help grow and protect the tribal pūtea for future generations.

Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei | For us and our children after us.

If you are a licensed commercial jet boat driver ready to take on an exceptional river and become part of an experienced team, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply with an up-to-date CV and a covering letter outlining your commercial jet boat driving experience, the licence you currently hold and why this opportunity appeals to you. Let us know your availability and preferred employment arrangement.

Ngāi Tahu Tourism is committed to kia hoki ora atu, ensuring everyone gets home safely every day. Before starting with us, you will complete our required pre-employment checks, including drug and alcohol testing.

Apply now. Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai!

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand.