The Whakapapa whānau are a small but ambitious team, running year-round operations on the northern slopes of Mt Ruapehu. In winter, from June until October, this includes a world-class ski area. In summer, from December until April, this includes our summer sightseeing operation, heroing our iconic Sky Waka gondola. Each year we welcome hundreds of thousands of manuhiri (guests) to Whakapapa, many with life-long connections to the maunga (mountain) and surrounding region, some even third or fourth generation.

Mō te tūnga | About the role 

Love the snow? Missed out on the first intake? Want a thrilling winter season filled with fun and camaraderie?

While our current Food & Beverage roles have been filled, we're building an active waitlist for passionate individuals to join our team as the season progresses!

Here's why joining our waitlist is a great move:

• Be the first to know - get notified about openings for-

• Cafe Attendants
• Baristas
• Food & Beverage Supervisors
• Cleaners
• Distribution Attendants
• Chefs
• Cooks 
• Kitchen Assistants.

• Local edge: Bonus points if you're already in the Ruapehu region! The aim will be a quick turn around. 
• Shape your winter: Help us create an unforgettable experience for guests while enjoying the magic of winter yourself.

How to Join:

Simply submit your application for the "Whakapapa Food & Beverage Waitlist."

Don't miss out! Whakapapa awaits – and so do we!

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Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako ōu | Your skills and experience

We are looking for skills and experience in the following areas:

• Experience working in hospitality or retail would be beneficial.   
• A commitment to exceptional guest services
• Positive and proactive verbal communication skills and a willingness to work in a team.   
• Helpfulness and willingness when dealing with people.   
• Cook: two years cooking experience (Desirable). 
  
• Kitchen Attendant: A passion for food and one year experience working in a kitchen (Desirable). 

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Gear up for the ultimate work adventure at Whakapapa. Joining Whakapapa unlocks a number of perks:

• 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
• Priority access and discounts to our on-mountain medical centre services

Your Whakapapa whānau experience is not just a job: you will build lifelong memories and experiences in one of the most beautiful and culturally significant places on earth!

Remuneration range - depending on experience

Tono mai - Apply now

** Research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet approximately 60% of criteria, women and those in underrepresented groups tend to only apply when they check every box. If you think you have what it takes for this role but maybe you don't meet every single bullet point above, we encourage you to get in touch. We'd love to hear from you and see if you could be a great fit for our whānau.

***On October 27, 2023, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited was put into Receivership with Brendon Gibson and Neale Jackson appointed as Receivers. The receivers continue trading the Company and are working on transferring the ownership of the Whakapapa and Tūroa ski areas to new operators. On 18 December, DOC announced public notification of Pure Tūroa Limited's concession application to operate Tūroa ski area. The Receivers are continuing to work on the sale of Whakapapa.