FAQs

What kind of positions are available?

Our staff numbers range from about 30 – 60 members depending on the season. We offer a variety of roles including permanent, seasonal and casual positions across multiple teams including customer service, café, sea crew, maintenance and support. We are always on the lookout for customer focussed professionals to join our team that are passionate about delivering quality guest experiences!

Seasonal positions
During the summer season, we hire extra staff members across a variety of teams to ensure our tour and base operations run smoothly and efficiently at our busiest time of year. Seasonal positions usually run from September/October/November to April/May and seasonal staff members are required to commit to the full contract period.

Permanent positions
Our tours, shop and café operate 364 days a year, so we have a small permanent team that keeps things running over our quieter winter season. Permanent vacancies are rare but do occur occasionally.

How do I apply?

Select the role that grabs your interest and aligns with your skills
Complete the application form
Upload your covering letter – this is your chance to impress! Tell us why you want the role along with examples of how your skills and experience match the role requirements
Upload your CV – detail your work history and any information relevant to the role
Upload any other required or relevant qualifications or documents
Submit your application

Mandatory requirements

You MUST be legally entitled to work in New Zealand. Proof of eligibility is required and applicants unable to provide this cannot be considered.

To check your eligibility for a work visa, visit Immigration New Zealand for more information.

You are welcome to apply from overseas, though you must be in New Zealand to meet with us for the final assessment stage and before commencing a position as we do not typically progress an offer without having met a candidate in person.

What happens after my application is submitted?

When we are not actively recruiting, there may be some delay between submitting an expression of interest and our response, as we check applications received less frequently.

During peak seasonal recruitment we receive a high volume of applications. We do review all of them, but this can take some time. Please be patient, the time taken is not a reflection of our interest in you. If your application has been shortlisted, the hiring manager will be in touch to outline the next steps and what to expect from you interview and/or assessment.

Depending on the role you have applied for, you will be invited to an interview and/or an assessment day. If you aren’t in Kaikōura yet, interviews can be conducted over Microsoft Teams, however if you are applying for a sea crew or café position, an in-person assessment after the initial interview will be required before a job offer can be made.

Encounter Kaikoura is part of Black Cat Group 2007 Limited, so some emails and recruitment documents may be sent on behalf of Black Cat Group. If you’ve applied for an Encounter Kaikoura position, you will only be based in the Kaikōura location.

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for fun, enthusiastic and team orientated people with a genuine interest and passion for customer service and the marine environment!
Our team members share the same qualities no matter what role they’re in:

Strong team working skills
Exemplary customer service
Adaptable and flexible to our ever-changing environment
Experience in hospitality or tourism
A passion for where we live and what we do!

Benefits of working here

Spend your summer living and working in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal towns – “where the mountains meet the sea”
Work for a Qualmark Enviro Gold accredited tourism business committed to sustainability
Join a passionate, supportive and friendly team
The opportunity to swim with dolphins and view sea birds on your days off!
Staff discounts in our gift shop and café
Comprehensive training and ongoing development opportunities

Where will I live?

We have some limited staff accommodation that we offer on a first come first served basis. If staff housing is full, we will try and connect you with others in the community that can help with accommodation options.

Why can’t I see the job I wish to apply for?

We don’t always have vacancies in every department. With a high percentage of returning staff each year, some teams might return in full, and we have no need to advertise. Please complete an Expression of Interest application to register for future role opportunities. We will not consider CVs or cover letters sent via email.

If you have any further questions about recruitment, email our Operations Manager Helene Simpson helene@dolphin.co.nz.