FAQs

Company Information

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Update

On October 27, 2023, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited was placed into Receivership, with Brendon Gibson and Neale Jackson of Calibre Partners appointed as receivers. The company is currently in the process of being sold to Whakapapa Holdings 2024 Limited. The sale is subject to a Department of Conservation (DOC) concession being awarded.

During this time we continue to operate as normal and are actively preparing for Winter 2025 operations!

What kind of positions are available?

Our success depends on our whānau, a team ranging from 50 to 300 members (depending on the season). We offer a variety of roles, including permanent full-time and seasonal positions. These roles include ski instructors, lift mechanics, food and beverage attendants and cooks, and administrative roles. Whether you’re a student, seeking a career change, or looking for a new challenge, we’re searching for enthusiastic, reliable, and guest-focused individuals to join us.

  • Summer Season Opportunities (November – April)
    During the summer, our sightseeing and hiking trails come alive. We’re looking for guest service professionals to greet our visitors, operate the gondola, and serve meals at our Knoll Ridge Café, 2020m above sea level.
  • Winter Season Opportunities (June – October)
    Our winter season offers world-class skiing and snowboarding across 550 hectares of thrilling terrain. We seek professionals in guest services, ski instructors, snow sports instructors, rental departments, and slope maintenance, as well as those maintaining equipment and patrolling the slopes.
  • Permanent Opportunities
    We also have a small permanent team that supports year-round leadership, maintenance and administrative operations at Whakapapa.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for reliable, positive and enthusiastic employees who understand what it takes to create the ultimate guest experience and how create a sense of belonging and connection within a team. Some would say that working at Whakapapais not for the faint hearted, having some of the most gnarly terrain in Aotearoa, New Zealand – looking out for your whānau is key. Whether you’re working on the slopes in winter or welcoming sightseers in summer, our team is passionate about both the work they do and the place they call home.

No matter the role, all our team members share essential qualities:

  • A willingness to collaborate and provide a warm, generous welcome to all manuhiri (visitors/guests) .
  • A passion for the place ready to share it with others.
  • A professional attitude and a commitment to excellence.
  • A dedication to the Tiaki Promise (Care for New Zealand) and the Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview).
  • A personal responsibility for your actions and a commitment to supporting your team.
  • An awareness for the environment and ability to work within varying weather conditions

There are some positions within Whakapapa that require higher levels of skills, experience, qualifications and/or pre-requisites (including Police Vetting for roles that are working with children). Please check out the specific role requirements in our job adverts.

Drug & alcohol testing?

Our team’s safety and well-being are important to us at Whakapapa. Pre-employment drug testing is mandatory for some roles, and all employees are subject to random, reasonable cause and post-incident drug and alcohol testing throughout their employment.

If you have concerns about our policy and process, please don’t hesitate to ask for a copy of our Drug & Alcohol Policy – we prefer applicants to be fully informed before they apply.

Application Process

How can I apply for a position?

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth application process:

  1. Select your chosen role: Be sure to choose the role that aligns best with your skills and interests.
  2. Complete the application form: Tell us why you’re the best person for the job.
  3. Upload your CV: Your document should be 500KB or less in acceptable file formats: .doc, .docx, .pdf, .rtf, .txt, .html, .htm.
  4. Attach relevant qualifications: Please also upload any qualifications needed for the position.
  5. Provide a copy of your right to work in NZ/photo ID: This will be used during the job offer stage. If you’re in the process of obtaining a work visa, let us know in your application.
  6. Enter your contact information: We will primarily contact you by email, so make sure your details are accurate.
  7. Save and Submit: After submitting, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Please make sure you check your spam inbox.

See what Whakapapa has to offer you – You can view our available positions here

What if I’m overseas? 

We welcome applications from overseas; however, applicants must secure the right to work in New Zealand (have a valid work visa) before starting work. You must apply for your work visa prior to your arrival in New Zealand.

A declaration must be signed stating applicants are eligible to work in New Zealand for the duration of their contract. However, if your visa expires before the end of the season, please apply, ensuring that the expiry date is noted in your application.

If you are not eligible for a working holiday visa, we may not be able to support your application unless it is one of our highly skilled roles such as Snowsports Instructor, Safety Services (Patrol), or Groomer Drivers. At present, we are working on the opportunity to support sponsored visas for these roles, and will work with potential overseas applicants that meet the role requirements.

Note: Australian citizens are legally entitled to work in New Zealand.

Working Holiday Visas – Please refer to the New Zealand Immigration Service website for further information on visas for New Zealand.

What if I’m interested in more than one opportunity?

You can apply for multiple roles, but we recommend that you start by applying for the role that best suits your skills and interests. In your application, feel free to let us know if you’re open to other opportunities. We work closely as a team, so if your preferred role doesn’t work out, we’ll explore other options for you.

Why can’t I see the job I wish to apply for?

We don’t always have vacancies in every department. With a high percentage of returning staff each year, some teams might return in full, and we have no need to advertise.

What is the interview process like?

The interview process at Whakapapa is designed to give you the best opportunity to showcase your skills and how you can contribute to delivering inspiring and unique experiences for our guests (manuhiri). The format may vary by role and could include:

  • In-person interviews: A chance to meet face-to-face and get to know each other better.
  • Online interviews: For convenience, some interviews may take place via video chat.
  • Group interviews: In some cases, you may participate in a group interview with other candidates.
  • Skills Testing: Some roles may require additional skills testing to assess specific competencies relevant to the position.

If you’re shortlisted, the hiring manager will outline the exact process, including the interview format and any assessments required, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

We believe that the interview process is a two-way conversation, so it’s also an opportunity for you to learn more about our company culture and how you can contribute to our mission.

When will I find out if I’m successful? 

All successful applicants will be notified as soon as possible after their interview by phone or email (the hiring manager will advise you during the interview process when you’ll expect to hear the outcome).

Offers of employment will be sent via email, and outline the start date and employment details.

For Seasonal roles – Our Winter roles usually start between June and July, whilst our Summer opportunities kick off in November to December.

Why haven’t I heard back about my application yet?

Due to the various start dates for roles, you may not hear from us right away. This is sometimes because we’re taking a look at your second choice or trying to find the best spot for you. We endeavour to get in touch with everyone as soon as possible, but this can take time. Thanks in advance for your patience.

What we Offer

What’s in it for you?

Apart from having loads of fun and making friends for life, working at Whakapapa unlocks some perks, including;

  • A complimentary season pass for skiing and/or snowboarding, and access to day pass discounts for friends and family.
  • Free beginner and intermediate group lessons. Don’t have equipment? You’ll receive discounts on that too.
  • Exclusive food and beverage, and retail discounts for use in Whakapapa’s cafes and store.
  • Guaranteed base hours for all full-time and part-time staff.
  • Discounts to our on-mountain medical centre services during Winter.
  • Discounts with local businesses we have partnerships with.

Additionally, your well-being is important to us, and we offer a variety of well-being resources, team events, and learning opportunities to make your time at Whakapapa positive and enjoyable. You will also be covered by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) who provide New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme to cover personal injury.

What uniform will I get?

All staff receive a outer layer uniform and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is suitable for their role.

Because we work in an alpine environment, we encourage all staff to bring appropriate thermals/base layers and shoes for being outside and in the elements. We have Icebreaker items available at a discounted price.

Snow Sports Instructors and Ski Patrollers must supply their own ski/board equipment. An Equipment Allowances will be paid to contribute towards the extra cost of these items.

Uniforms are supplied for the duration of employment only and must be returned when employment ceases.

What hours of work can I expect? 

For our Winter Season, most positions will start at the end of June and/or beginning of July with an initial finish date of mid-October. However, these dates can be affected by snow levels and weather conditions, so your end date may extend into late October or early November, or finish earlier than planned.

For our Summer Season, we open from late November/early December, through until April.

Hours of work can vary depending on snow levels, weather, department, and business demand. Sometimes this means you might get short notice of the requirement to work or when we are closed, but we try our best to let you know as soon as possible. School Holidays and weekends are our busiest periods, so be prepared to work hard when the hours are available and take time to enjoy the maunga when we’re a little quieter.

Some roles also have night shifts, so please check the the job requirements and let us know if you are willing and able to do the required shifts.

We pay fortnightly, so we suggest that you bring enough money with you to get through the first month.

Is there staff training & development?

Yes! To ensure all staff can perform their roles to the best of their ability and meet the expectations of both the company and our guests, every employee will participate in an induction and training program at the beginning of their employment. This program covers:

  • Company policies
  • Guest service excellence
  • Mountain awareness
  • Health and safety
  • Role-specific skills and procedures

The training ensures that all team members are fully prepared to deliver a top-tier experience to our guests.

How will I get to work?

We provide free transport for all staff on duty from National Park and Whakapapa Village to the base of the Whakapapa Ski Area.

You can also use this transport on your days off, subject to availability, though charges may apply during peak periods.

About the area

Where is Whakapapa Ski Area?

Whakapapa Ski Area is located on the northwestern slopes of Mount Ruapehu, situated in Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO dual World Heritage Site. This iconic location in New Zealand’s Central Plateau and an easy drive from tourist hotspots such as Taupō, Rotorua, and Tauranga.

There are a number of small towns in the area where you can do your weekly shops, including National Park (15min drive), Ohakune (35min drive) and Tūrangi (35min).

How do I get to National Park or Ohakune?

If you don’t have access to a car, there are bus and train services to National Park and Ohakune from both Auckland and Wellington. For timetable information, visit:

Please note that train services may be limited depending on the time of year.

Where will I live? – Accommodation

Whakapapa has limited staff accommodation available in Whakapapa Village. For those needing accommodation, additional options may be available in surrounding areas such as Ohakune, Rangataua, National Park, and Raurimu.

Successful applicants will receive access to our staff-only website, where accommodation options in the region will be listed. We do our best to connect team members with available housing, but please be aware that accommodation is in high demand during peak seasons.

To have a look at the different accommodation options available, check out these links:

Further Information

About Working in NZ

For further information about working in New Zealand and what is required, check out:

About working at Whakapapa or your job application

For any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at hr@whakapapa.com.