Volunteer Driver / Engineer – Victoria Battery Tramway (Waikino)

Paeroa, Waihī

About Victoria Battery Tramway
The Victoria Battery Tramway preserves part of New Zealand’s gold-mining history. Visitors can explore the historic Victoria Battery site and take a ride on our narrow-gauge tramway, just as miners would have moved ore across the site over 100 years ago.

The Role
We’re looking for volunteers who love history, enjoy being hands-on, or just like driving! You’ll help visitors learn about the Victoria Battery site, or simply give them a fun ride around our 1.2 km tramway.

What it will involve

  • Drive a narrow-gauge mining engine with carriages around the 1.2 km tramway
  • Give visitors a short, engaging tour of the Victoria Battery site
  • Ensure passengers have an enjoyable and safe experience
  • Follow all safety procedures and site guidelines
  • Complete full training and orientation before starting

We rely on volunteers to keep the tramway running and give visitors a safe, enjoyable experience. By helping out, you’re bringing history to life and making every visit to the Victoria Battery site memorable.

Requirements:

  • Ability to understand and learn the history of the Victoria Battery site, and share it with visitors; support will be provided as you become familiar with new information
  • Willingness to learn how to safely drive and help maintain the engine and carriages, ensuring the safety of all on board
  • Completion of a medical assessment form; a doctor’s clearance may be required
  • Reliable and responsible, with a friendly attitude when interacting with team members and visitors
  • Commitment to regular attendance so visitors have a consistent and enjoyable experience
  • Good communication skills, able to explain information clearly and engage with visitors of all ages
  • Physical ability to safely climb in and out of the tram and move around the site as needed
  • Ability to work as part of a team, collaborating with other volunteers and staff
  • Enthusiasm and patience to create a positive, fun, and memorable experience for visitors

A Police background check is required for this role.

Time commitment:

  • Training can be arranged outside normal operating hours (10:00 am – 3:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays) to suit your availability
  • A rostered shift as a driver is usually 10:00 am – 3:00 pm on either Saturday or Sunday
  • Shifts can be split if there are enough team members to cover the day
  • We also operate during school holidays and for special tour groups as required

Getting started:

The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below. We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.

Ref: 2445

Apply for this role