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 

Whakapapa has an exciting opportunity for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to join the team in a permanent, full-time role. This is a key leadership position across both winter and summer operations, responsible for overseeing day-to-day kitchen performance, leading the kitchen team, and delivering food that matches the quality and mana of our location. 

This is a hands-on leadership role for a chef who can stay calm, organised, and adaptable in a fast-moving mountain environment. The role includes leadership of chefs and kitchen attendants, food quality and consistency, ordering and stock control, kitchen compliance, team development, rostering, wage and food cost management, and helping shape a food offering that keeps guests coming back.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako ōu | Your skills and experience

What you will bring 

• Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Hospitality (Professional Cookery) or similar international qualification. 

• At least 4 years’ experience in a professional kitchen, including senior-level kitchen leadership. 

• Experience leading teams, managing food safety systems, and delivering consistently high food standards. 

• Confidence with ordering, stocktakes, rostering, food cost and wage cost management. 

• A positive, practical leadership style and the ability to work well with a wide range of people. 

• Flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adapt to changing weather, guest demand, and operational priorities. 

For more information on the opportunity, check out our position description.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

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

• The opportunity to work in one of Aotearoa’s most iconic mountain environments. 
• Whakapapa staff benefits including ski and snowboard access, discounts, and on-mountain staff perks that have previously formed part of the employment offering. 
• A supportive team culture and the chance to lead a key part of the guest experience. 

This is more than a standard Head Chef position. It is an opportunity to lead through two distinct operating seasons, contribute to the evolution of the food offering, and build a strong kitchen culture in a unique alpine environment. For the right person, it offers both lifestyle appeal and the opportunity to make a visible impact on the guest experience and team performance. 

Remuneration Range: $85,000 to $95,000 per annum, depending on experience and fit for the role scope.

Tono mai - Apply now

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the role may close earlier if the right person is found. Candidates should be ready to bring strong kitchen leadership, commercial awareness, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic mountain operation.