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Shane Cameron - Off Road NZ

15/11/2013

The highlight of working in tourism is that you get to be part of making someone’s day more exciting and enjoyable by helping them to do something they would never normally attempt. Also, the after-glow that you get from clients and staff after a big job goes to plan.


Off Road NZ is an adventure tourism business that offers visitors the chance to self-drive an off-road four-wheel drive track, get a thrill in a Giant Monster Truck or take part in go-carting and clay bird shooting.

I’m Operations Manager, but sort of fell into tourism. I had been working as a mechanic for a supplier to Off Road NZ. The previous owners rang me and offered me a job as guide/mechanic/tea maker. We were pretty small then so everyone had to have a ‘make it happen’ attitude. As the business grew I was lucky enough to have my role develop and grow along with it.

There have been plenty of milestones over the years. The biggest highlights have usually been the look on people’s faces after they have experienced our products. This is especially so when an ‘outside the box’ activity programme or large group has been involved.

Training has been important. I graduated with a National Diploma in Tourism Management through ServiceIQ and Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), plus various one day courses in staff management. I also have a trade Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Heavy) which got me into the tourism industry funnily enough.

ShaneCameron OffRoadNZ DSC9107

Young people wanting to get into tourism should try and work out which part of the industry they want to work in and where you would like to be in 5 or 10 years time. Get advice on what training will get you there the quickest rather than falling into it like I did. Be prepared to work hard at the behind scenes part of the job so that your clients get the best experience you can deliver. This is what keeps people coming back to you and New Zealand.

For more information, please contact ServiceIQ on 0800 863 693 or email intel@ServiceIQ.org.nz