Rotoiti Lodge Outdoor Education Centre

20/09/2026

Ākonga from Bohally Intermediate School working together, building confidence and having a blast at Rotoiti Lodge.

16/09/2026

Ngā mihi nui to Pub Charity for your support!

We are committed to breaking down barriers and helping more young people experience life-changing adventures in the outdoors. We couldn't do it without our passionate and skilled staff or the funders that support them.

The generous contribution we recently received from Pub Charity Ltd will help fund the management of our safety programmes, ensuring we can continue to go above and beyond when providing safe and challenging experiences to all our visitors.

Thank you Pub Charity (and all your contributing vendors!) for investing in the future of Rotoiti Lodge and for all you do to support local communities ❤

30/08/2026

Kiwis are a generous bunch!
A recent study by Community Foundations of Aotearoa found that over half of respondents would be interested in leaving a charitable gift in their will.
If the outdoors is your playground, you could pass on your love through a bequest to our Community Group Fund, invested and managed by Top of the South Community Foundation.
For more information (or to donate) go to: https://www.topsouthfoundation.org.nz/funds/lake-rotoiti-outdoor-education-trust-fund

25/08/2026

Rotoiti Lodge aims to help more young people access the benefits of outdoor education - cost should not be a barrier and neither should a lack of equipment.
We provide a gear hire service to students on camp at very low cost - a maximum of $15 per person for wet weather gear, packs, warm layers and everything needed for an outdoor adventure.
This is only possible due to the generous support of businesses and volunteers - donating gear and making repairs.
A recent donation from Macpac has been a huge help in increasing the range of sizes on offer and replacing some gear that was well past its prime. Weather-proof outer layers, sleeping bags and tramping packs mean more children and young people are exploring Nelson Lakes National Park - safe, dry and ready for adventure!
Thank you to for their support and for helping more young people find out what they are capable of just outside their comfort zone.

20/08/2026

Nothing beats the moment when apprehension turns into achievement!
Students from Queen Charlotte College took on the challenge of abseiling this week, learning that confidence starts just outside your comfort zone.
Outdoor Education isn't just an adventure - it builds resilience, teamwork and self-belief that students carry with them long after they return to the classroom.

13/08/2026

12/08/2026

Rotoiti Lodge Outdoor Education Centre is seeking an outdoor instructor to help facilitate and lead outdoor activities.

Outdoor Education Instructor — Permanent Position. 9 hours a day. Minimum 0.8 Full Time Employment (FTE), with most weeks being 1.0 Full Time Employment, generally between 8.00 am and 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Outdoor Instructor to join our team from 5 October 2026. The start date is negotiable for the right candidate.



Rotoiti Lodge Outdoor Education Centre (RLOEC) has been operating in the Nelson lakes Nation Park for the past 58 years. It is situated in St Arnand overlooking Lake Rotoiti. The Centre is well positioned to make the most of the environment that surrounds it.

Our instructors run a range of activities that cover High Ropes, Low Ropes. Tramping, Canoe Expeditions, Stand up Paddle Boarding, Sit on Top Kayaking, Abseiling, ABL. If you are looking for a position with variety and fun and enjoy working with young people to help them have positive experiences, try new things and to grow, we would love to hear from you.

Not all the work is instruction based. We will provide appropriate training and development as needed. As a team we also take pride in how our Centre is presented so there is also maintenance and cleaning work mixed in as well.



We want people who can

- Instruct and work with young people (and from time to time other age groups)
- Happily, work at heights for running abseiling and high ropes
- Component Sea Kayak paddling skills
- Can pick an appropriate challenge for their customers
- Enjoys a challenge
- Take part in maintenance and cleaning work around the centre when required
- Have a cheerful and positive attitude

Applicants must have

- Relevant outdoor instructional experience and appropriate skills/qualifications (NZOIA Sea Kayak Leader, Abseil leader, bush leader and/or at least 1 year of tertiary study preferred)
- Current First Aid qualifications (minimum Outdoor First Aid)
- Ability to work in a small team environment
- Be a New Zealand citizen or ability to work in New Zealand
- Be able to achieve effective rapport with students and teachers.
- An understanding of related personal and group development and how this can be facilitated in the outdoors
- Full drivers licence
- An eye for safety and detail
- The ability to have fun and knuckle down to get the job done.



Why work for us? What is on offer?

- The option of a furnished room in our staff house at reduced cost of only $80 per week. Power and firewood included to a fixed rate.
- Access to wholesale equipment and outdoor clothing.
- A week of personal professional development to suit the needs of yourself and the workplace
- Equipment and overnight allowances
- A caring supportive workplace
- Plus many more job perks



Location

This role is based on site at Rotoiti Lodge in Nelson Lakes National Park. Living in St Arnaud is required.



How to Apply

Job description available from [email protected]
Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
For questions and enquiries please contact Anita at [email protected] or call 0274944958


Applications close 8pm Friday 4th September 2026

04/08/2026

We are having a clear out. We have lots of books but these are the ones we no longer require.
We will have them at the lodge this week if you want to come and have a look.
Take one or many for koha that will go towards equipment needed for our activities

02/08/2026

The Flying Kiwi is such a fun adventure for all ages! 🌲💚

We recently had a family group stay for the weekend, and they hired one of our instructors for an afternoon on the flying kiwi.

There was plenty of laughter, a few wobbly knees, and lots of cheering each other on!

Turns out the best way to test family teamwork and trust is to haul everyone into the air... because nothing brings people together quite like trusting your children not to laugh when you're hanging from a rope! (Don't worry, everyone got lowered back down)

If you're looking for a unique activity for a family getaway, birthday, reunion, or just an excuse to make some unforgettable memories, our high ropes sessions are hard to beat!

28/07/2026

I've had my bike taken / stolen from onsite at Rotoiti Lodge on Monday 27th. If anyone sees a green Liv intrigue advanced 2 mountain bike around the village please reach out, I'd love it back!