Reservation Retail Assistant

SUMMARY

Seeking a motivated, enthusiastic, committed reservations and retail team member to help us provide the best tourism service in Stewart Island.

Must be available from at least late August 2026 through to May 2027.  The position could become longer term for the right candidate. 

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Sales and retail experience preferably in the tourism / hospitality industry;
• An interest in the outdoors / nature / travel is an advantage;
• Fluent, accurate, spoken and written English is essential; 
• Excellent customer services skills;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to prioritise and multi-task; 
• Good administration and computer skills, accurate record keeping, attention to detail; 
• Full NZ Driver’s Licence and First Aid an advantage;

RESPONSIBILITIES

The business is small, but has many aspects with alot to learn in order to be able to contribute effectively (therefore, we need longer term staff and are unable to train short-term/temporary staff). 

You may be working on your own and/or with another staff member.  The role carries a high level of responsibility, maturity, confidence and good decision-making.  Suited for a quick learner with attention to detail, hardworking and able to demonstrate initiative.  We need someone who is punctual with good time-keeping.  

TRIP FAMILIARISATIONS

• Attend trip familiarisation on our key trips.

TOUR / SERVICE RESERVATIONS

• Learn about the products and services offered by the business.  Attend some of our tours.
• Assess customer interests and abilities and provide accurate and appropriate information about options in order to sell our tours and services. 
• Prepare accurate reservation information and communicate appropriately with customers. 
• Process payment, maintain records.
• Obtain customer feedback.
• Brief Guides and Skipper (prepare and maintain accurate records).
• Assist guides when required: to organise food, gear & equipment for trips. 
• Maintaining contact with staff conducting tours/trip.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE & GIFT SHOP

• Provide accurate information about products for sale and hire.
• Assist / inform customers about the use of gear.
• Sell / hire stock, process payment, maintain accurate records.
• Clean returned hire stock.
• Restock items, help maintain displays and assist with new products.

OTHER DUTIES

• Assist with basic administration and marketing tasks. 
• Help keep the office and shop clean and tidy.
• Carry out reasonable tasks to support the business.

HOURS OF WORK 

Five days a week, 40 hours during September to April and 25-30 hours during May - August.

ABOUT RUGGEDY RANGE 

Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experience is a small nature tourism business, operating in Stewart Island since 2000 offering guided walks, bird watching, kiwi spotting tours, boat cruises, water taxi charters, along with operating a small outdoor shop within the booking office. 

Nature, wildlife and the environment are our key focus. We actively seek to develop a positive team, with supportive, caring, reliable and competent staff, so that our customers get the best possible attention and service we can offer.

Key tourist months are October through to April / May, with intermittent off-season tours.

BENEFITS

• Working for a small established business provides a greater opportunity to learn, do and see more. 
• A fabulous opportunity to experience the real Stewart Island. 
• For the right person, the opportunity to develop into other roles in the business. 

STAFF ACCOMMODATION

Staff accommodation available in clean, comfortable, fully equipped 3-bedroomed house, centrally located with small garden area, native birds and car parking. A few minutes walk to office, shops, eateries and beach. 

MUST HAVE 

Eligibility to work in New Zealand and have spend some time in New Zealand before coming to Stewart Island.