Chef

Chef | Sous Chef / Experienced Chef – Couples Welcome

Located midway between the West Coast glacier towns and Queenstown, Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki sits on the shores of the Moeraki River, surrounded by the ancient rainforests of Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. Few places on earth can match the lodge’s stunning natural setting. Walk wild coastline home to seals and rare penguins, kayak pristine lakes and explore this unique landscape alongside expert naturalist guides. With premium accommodation, delicious food and warm hospitality, Wilderness Lodge offers a truly unique place to live and work.

We are currently looking for an experienced Chef to join our small and friendly kitchen team for the 2026/27 season, starting mid-September 2026.

Couples are very welcome to apply. If your partner is also looking for seasonal work, they can be considered for a Chef position as well, or for a Lodge Allrounder role involving guest services, housekeeping and general lodge duties, depending on their experience.

We are open to candidates with different levels of kitchen experience, from experienced Chef de Partie through to Sous Chef level. The exact responsibilities and remuneration will depend on your experience and skills. We are looking for someone who is confident in a professional kitchen, enjoys working hands-on and wants to be part of a small team in a remote wilderness setting.

About the role

You will work closely with our Head Chef to prepare high-quality meals for our lodge guests, with a strong focus on fresh ingredients, presentation and consistency.

As part of a small kitchen team, you will be hands-on across breakfast, lunch and dinner service and assist with the day-to-day running of the kitchen.

Depending on your experience, responsibilities may include:

• Preparing and presenting high-quality meals to a consistently high standard
• Working closely with the Head Chef on daily kitchen operations and service
• Taking responsibility for kitchen operations when the Head Chef is off
• Assisting with menu preparation and development
• Maintaining high standards of food presentation, quality and consistency
• Ensuring food safety, hygiene and kitchen standards are maintained
• Stock control, ordering, storage and rotation of products
• Working efficiently during busy service periods
• Supporting and training other kitchen team members
• Maintaining a positive, professional and hands-on approach
• Working closely with the wider lodge team to deliver an exceptional guest experience
• Preparing staff meals

About you

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has solid commercial kitchen experience
• Is confident working independently and as part of a small team
• Has a passion for quality food and hospitality
• Is organised, reliable and able to work well under pressure
• Has excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Takes pride in presentation and attention to detail
• Has a positive, hands-on attitude
• Has good food safety knowledge
• Enjoys living and working in a remote environment

Formal culinary qualifications and food safety certificates are an advantage.

What we offer

• Full-time fixed-term position
• September 2026 – late April 2027
• Competitive salary/hourly rate depending on experience
• Staff accommodation and meals available at a subsidised rate
• A unique opportunity to work in a luxury wilderness lodge
• A friendly, international and supportive team
• Incredible access to hiking, kayaking, fishing, beaches and wildlife
• Potential opportunities to transfer to another property within the hotel group at the end of the season

Couples are encouraged to apply, particularly where both partners are interested in working at the lodge. We can discuss suitable roles for each partner depending on experience and availability.

This position is ideal for someone who wants to combine their passion for hospitality with an outdoor lifestyle and experience living and working in one of New Zealand’s most spectacular wilderness locations.

Applicants must already have the legal right to work in New Zealand. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship.

If you’re an experienced Chef looking for a different kind of season, we’d love to hear from you. Apply with your CV and a short cover letter outlining your experience, availability and, if applying as a couple, your partner’s details and experience.