Cook / Lodge Chef – Kinloch, Otago New Zealand

The fire crackles, the soup simmers with garden herbs, dessert is plated with fresh berries picked that afternoon, and 24 happy guests raise a glass to another perfect Kinloch dinner—that is the soul-feeding magic a Cook / Lodge Chef creates nightly at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, Kinloch, Otago. This award-winning eco-lodge at the head of Lake Wakatipu is adding one passionate, nutrition-minded cook at $27–$31 per hour (experience-based) plus onsite staff accommodation and meals. The role posted fresh today—only calm, values-driven cooks who love nature and thoughtful food will feel truly at home here.

Kinloch Lodge is pure New Zealand wilderness: surrounded by beech forest, mountains, and world-class trails (Routeburn, Caples, Greenstone). Guests arrive tired from hiking and leave restored by simple, beautiful, seasonal dishes that nourish body and soul. As Lodge Chef in Kinloch, you will work closely with the owner-chef and tiny team to deliver a daily set dinner menu (2–3 courses), breakfast baskets, occasional lunches, and simple drinks—always with sustainability, quality ingredients, and genuine care.

Requirements

Kinloch wants heart + skill.

You are perfect with:

• Real experience cooking for small groups (boutique lodge, café, yacht, retreat, or high-end Airbnb).
• Confident in executing a set menu consistently to the gram.
• Deep care about nutrition, seasonality, and minimal waste.
• Steady under gentle pressure—24 covers feels busy but never chaotic.
• Positive, collaborative, drama-free attitude.
• Love rural life—no shops or bars, just mountains and birdsong.
• Valid NZ work rights (no sponsorship available).

Formal qualifications are nice but not essential—your food and vibe matter most.

Responsibilities

Your shift is creativity meets calm.

Full-time seasonal hours (summer peak Dec–Apr, quieter winter):

• Prep & cook daily set dinner—2–3 courses using lodge garden & local produce.
• Seasonal salads, house-baked breads, nourishing desserts.
• Breakfast service—continental baskets, eggs, smoothies.
• Simple drinks—espresso, teas, spritzers, and wine pours.
• Kitchen close-down—spotless benches, labelled leftovers.
• Menu input—suggest new dishes using what’s ripe.
• Light garden harvesting & composting.
• Work hand-in-hand with FOH & housekeeping (we’re tiny!).

Rostered days off for hiking or resting by the lake.

Benefits

$27–$31/hr + genuine wilderness perks.

• $27–$31 per hour – experience & trial shift decide rate.
• On-site staff accommodation – private or shared room, all bills paid.
• All meals are provided when the kitchen is open.
• Work/life balance – finish by 9 pm latest, two consecutive days off.
• Stunning location – doorstep to NZ’s best day walks.
• Creative input – help shape seasonal menus.
• Supportive owners – they’ve been doing this 20+ years and care deeply.
• Otago lifestyle – Queenstown 1 hr, Wanaka 1.5 hrs on days off.

Live where others pay thousands to holiday.

How to Apply

Send your story + CV.

1. Email CV + short note answering “Why Kinloch + why nutrition-focused cooking?” to hr@kinlochlodge.co.nz
2. Subject: “Lodge Chef Kinloch – [Your Name]”
3. Include phone/WhatsApp & when you can start.
4. Attach food photos if you have them (Instagram link fine).
5. Apply ASAP—role posted 3 hrs ago, summer season filling fast.

Shortlisted cooks get phone chat → paid trial shift → welcome to the family.

Nourish Hikers’ Bodies & Souls in Pure Wilderness

Landing Cook / Lodge Chef at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat means $27–$31/hr + accommodation, cooking thoughtful, seasonal food for grateful guests in one of NZ’s most magical places. Small team, big heart, real impact. From garden herb to final plate, you restore. Email hr today and cookKinloch’sh success.

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