Queenstown - UH 2025 Lodge Cook
Position Summary - Lodge Cook
Ultimate Hikes offers guided multi-day walks on New Zealand's Milford and Routeburn Tracks, blending hiking with comfortable lodges and exceptional hospitality in Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks. Join our team to create unforgettable guest experiences in stunning locations!
Purpose
As a Lodge Cook, you'll prepare and serve high-quality meals for up to 50 guests and 16 staff daily, ensuring delicious, well-presented dishes that cater to diverse dietary needs. You'll work closely with the Lodge Manager and Head Cook, maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen while contributing to a warm, hospitable lodge environment.This is a unique opportunity to live and work in remote, world-class locations for up to five weeks at a time. The role is seasonal, from mid October 2025 until mid April 2026.
Key responsibilities- Food Preparation & Kitchen Operations: Prepare, cook, and serve breakfasts, dinners, and snacks, following set menus and ensuring high standards of quality and presentation. Maintain a hygienic kitchen, adhering to food safety standards, and assist with stock management and record-keeping.
- Team Collaboration: Work respectfully and cooperatively in a close-knit lodge team, contributing to a positive and harmonious environment.
- Health & Safety: Follow the lodge's Safety Management System, participate in Health & Safety meetings, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
- Additional Duties: Be flexible to work split shifts, evenings, weekends, and cover absences as needed. At Routeburn Track lodges, assist as a Lodge Attendant one week in three.
Relationships
The role reports to the Lodge Manager and Lodge Assistant Manager and works closely with the Lodge Head Cook and kitchen team and other lodge team members.
Location
The role is based at one of the remote lodges on the Milford or Routeburn Tracks where you will work and live for up to five weeks at a time. These lodges, with the exception of Mitre Peak Lodge, are inaccessible by road.
Hours of work
The role is seasonal and you will work approximately nine hours per day, which will include working at weekends and evenings. Some days may involve working longer hours due to operational requirements.
Pay rate
The role is seasonal and you will be paid between $267 and $285 per day, based on a 10 hour day, working split shifts.
Person specifications
We're looking for enthusiastic individuals with a passion for hospitality and teamwork. To succeed as a Lodge Cook, you'll need:
Essential Experience- At least 6 months of basic cooking experience or experience in a commercial kitchen.
- Ability to prepare and present delicious, nutritious meals to a high standard, adhering to set menus while managing dietaries.
- Experience managing kitchen stock (rotation, stocktakes, and ordering).
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team.
- Comfort living and working in a remote environment for extended periods.
- Legal right to work in New Zealand.
- Proven ability to multi-task in a busy kitchen while delivering timely, high-quality meals.
- Adaptability to changing schedules, guest needs, and team dynamics.
- Strong organizational skills and a positive, resilient attitude under pressure.
- Commitment to learning, applying feedback, and maintaining a supportive kitchen environment.
- Results-Driven: Thrives in high-pressure situations and seeks challenging opportunities.
- High-Speed Learning: Quickly applies new skills and embraces feedback for growth.
- Passion & Resilience: Brings a strong work ethic and perseveres through challenges.
- Trust & Integrity: Acts with honesty, respects confidentiality, and builds trust.
- Adaptability: Adjusts to changing situations and communicates effectively.
- Energy & Safety: Maintains stamina for long hours and upholds safety standards.
Ultimate Hikes - Lodge Cook Position Description/ANZSCO 851299 Food Trades Assistant NEC