Join the Whakapapa Whānau – Summer 2026/27

Looking for a summer job that's a little different?

Expressions of interest are now open for a limited number of summer vacancies at Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu!

The Whakapapa whānau are a small but ambitious team, delivering unforgettable experiences on the northern slopes of Mt Ruapehu. From our world-class ski area in winter to our iconic Sky Waka Gondola, spectacular Skyline Walk and unique mountaintop dining experiences in summer, we're proud to welcome manuhiri (guests) from across Aotearoa and around the world.

We're looking for enthusiastic people to join our summer team and help make Whakapapa a must-visit destination.

About the role 

Whether you're experienced in hospitality, love working with people or enjoy being part of a hands-on operational team, we'd love to hear from you.

Lift Operations – Sky Waka Gondola

Help our guests experience the maunga from above!

We're looking for safety-conscious, friendly team members to support the daily operation of our iconic Sky Waka Gondola. You'll help guests board and unload safely, assist with operational checks, manage queues and share information about Whakapapa's summer experiences.

It's a hands-on role where safety, teamwork and exceptional guest service are at the heart of everything you do.

Food & Beverage

From great coffee and casual café dining at Knoll Ridge Café to exclusive dining experiences at Ngā Tohu, our premium mountaintop restaurant, our hospitality team plays a big part in making a visit to Whakapapa special.

We're looking for passionate hospitality people across a range of roles, including:

• Supervisors – Lead our front-of-house teams and deliver exceptional guest experiences.

• Chefs and Cooks – Bring your passion for food to our unique mountain dining experiences.

• Restaurant and Café Attendants – Provide friendly, professional service, from casual café dining to premium restaurant experiences.

• Distribution and Cleaning Attendants – Keep our venues stocked, clean and running smoothly behind the scenes.

Retail & Guest Services

Be the welcoming face of Whakapapa!

Our Retail and Guest Services team plays a key role in helping visitors make the most of their time on the maunga. From welcoming guests and answering enquiries to ticket sales and retail purchases, you'll help create a seamless and memorable experience.

Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

• Welcoming guests and assisting with enquiries in person, over the phone and via email.

• Providing information about our sightseeing experiences, products and mountain conditions.

• Processing ticket and retail sales, payments and refunds.

• Supporting retail operations, including stock presentation and replenishment.

• Working alongside other departments to ensure a great guest experience.

Your skills and experience

We're looking for enthusiastic, reliable people who enjoy working with others and creating great guest experiences.

Previous experience in hospitality, customer service, cash handling or lift operations is an advantage, but isn't essential for all roles. Full training will be provided.

We'd love to hear from you if you bring:

• A positive, can-do attitude and willingness to pitch in wherever needed.
• A genuine passion for delivering exceptional guest service.
• Great communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with guests and teammates.
• Reliability, punctuality and plenty of energy.
• Flexibility and a willingness to learn, take on feedback and try new things.
• A commitment to working safely and maintaining high standards.

For our Ngā Tohu restaurant roles, previous experience in premium dining or restaurant service would be a real advantage.

Our summer team is a close-knit one, and while you may be employed in a particular role, everyone lends a hand when needed. It's a great opportunity to gain experience across different areas, develop new skills and make the most of working in a truly unique environment.

What we offer

Working at Whakapapa comes with some pretty cool benefits, including staff discounts across our food, beverage and retail offerings. But it's our people and the place we work that make it truly special.

We're guided by our commitment to upholding the mana of the maunga through Manaakitanga (care for people), Kaitiakitanga (care for place) and Kotahitanga (working together as one). We look for people who share these values and want to contribute to a supportive, connected team.

Summer roles are expected to run from late November or early December 2026 through to April 2027, with shorter contracts potentially available over our peak periods. And if you love life on the maunga, there may be opportunities to return for winter!

Ready to spend your summer on the maunga?

Apply now