Bushwalk Australia

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!

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

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.

Thanks for the advice Joel... certainly sounds a bit rough!

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!