Careers at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
Join Our Team | Lake Pukaki, Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand
Lodge Assistant – Front of HouseLiving
In 2012, Luke and Kaye left Wellington and moved onto the land while the Pukaki Homestead was under construction. For 8 months they lived onsite, building the small Musterers Hut as their bedroom and a garden shed as their kitchen and living room. The bathroom was outside, much of the land was still undeveloped and almost everything around them was a work in progress. There was a pioneering spirit to those early years, with family helping with planting, landscaping, tiling and the many practical jobs involved in transforming bare land into a home. In 2013, the Pukaki Homestead welcomed its first guests. That hands-on beginning still shapes the Retreat today. Family ownership, personal hospitality, craftsmanship and a close relationship with the estate remain an important part of its character.
Set above the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki, in the heart of New Zealand's Mackenzie Region, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is a family-owned luxury retreat recognised with One MICHELIN Key in 2026.
Here, exceptional hospitality is shaped by the beauty of our alpine surroundings, genuine personal service and a shared commitment to creating memorable guest experiences.
From welcoming guests to our luxury villas and serving seasonal cuisine at The Moraine, to caring for our gardens and sharing the wonders of the night sky at Pukaki Observatory, every member of our team contributes to something special.
We welcome expressions of interest from people who take pride in their work, appreciate thoughtful hospitality and enjoy being part of a small, dedicated team.
Whether you are seeking hospitality employment in the Aoraki/Mount Cook region or looking to share your professional skills in a distinctive luxury retreat environment, we would love to hear from you.
Front of House & Restaurant Service
Our front-of-house team creates welcoming, relaxed and memorable dining experiences at The Moraine, our estate-to-plate restaurant overlooking the Ben Ohau Range.
About the Role:
Working across restaurant, bar and guest service, the team brings warmth, professionalism and attention to detail to every occasion. We welcome interest from people experienced in food and beverage service, restaurant hospitality, bar service and guest relations, as well as enthusiastic individuals seeking to develop their hospitality careers.
An appreciation for exceptional food, New Zealand wines and genuine guest service is especially valued.
Housekeeping & Guest Accommodation
Our housekeeping team plays an essential role in maintaining the exceptional presentation, comfort and tranquillity of our luxury villas and guest spaces.
About the Role:
From preparing accommodation for arriving guests to caring for beautiful interiors and attending to the thoughtful details that make each stay special, this is work where pride and attention to detail truly matter.
We welcome expressions of interest from experienced housekeepers, accommodation attendants and people with a strong work ethic, reliability and a genuine commitment to maintaining high standards.
Experience in luxury lodge or hotel housekeeping is an advantage, although a positive attitude and willingness to learn are equally important.
Wellness Practitioners
Wellbeing is an integral part of the experience at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, where the restorative qualities of nature, quiet surroundings and personalised care come together.
About the Role:
We welcome expressions of interest from qualified and experienced yoga instructors, massage therapists, body treatment specialists and complementary wellness practitioners who would enjoy sharing their expertise in our peaceful alpine setting.
Opportunities may include private yoga sessions, therapeutic massage, relaxation treatments and personalised wellness experiences tailored to individual guests.
We value practitioners who bring recognised qualifications where appropriate, professional expertise and a warm, considered approach to guest wellbeing.
Opportunities may be available on a casual, contract or sessional basis, depending on guest bookings and seasonal demand.
Why Work at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat?
Working at the Retreat offers an opportunity to be part of a distinctive New Zealand luxury hospitality experience in one of the country's most beautiful natural settings.
We offer:
- A remarkable alpine workplace overlooking Lake Pukaki, near Twizel and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
- A welcoming, close-knit team within a family-owned luxury retreat.
- The opportunity to contribute to exceptional guest experiences at a One MICHELIN Key property.
- A workplace that values genuine hospitality, professional pride, respect for place and attention to detail.
- Opportunities to develop skills and experience across a distinctive luxury hospitality environment.
- On-site staff accommodation at an affordable rate, subject to availability.
- Competitive remuneration appropriate to the role, qualifications and experience.
Expressions of Interest
We are always pleased to connect with people who share our passion for hospitality and take pride in creating exceptional guest experiences.
Whether your experience is in front-of-house hospitality, housekeeping or wellness, we welcome your enquiry.
To introduce yourself, please complete the form below with a brief introduction and details of your relevant experience, qualifications or services.
Location
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, Lake Pukaki, near Twizel, Mackenzie Region, Canterbury, New Zealand.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Application Requirements
- NZ Work Permit: Applicants must have a valid New Zealand work permit.
- Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license is required.
