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Cook / Kitchen Helper Needed – Eco Lodge in Glenorchy NZ

4.5
(34 reviews)34

The experience

Join our caring team at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, a lakeside eco lodge surrounded by mountains and world-class trails. We’re seeking a values-aligned cook/kitchen helper who cares about good food, nutrition, sustainability and nature. Tasks include simple, nourishing meals, salads/desserts, kitchen prep/cleaning, dinner service and drinks. Staff accom, stunning nature, supportive culture and optional paid hours included.

What you offer

30 hours of help per week

Cooking: Choose the menu, pick ingredients and cook delicious dishes.

Kitchen Hand: Help prepare, finish and serve meals.

What you get

2 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Team Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other people.

Discounts on Restaurants: Get discounts at nearby restaurants.

Discounts on Drinks: Get discounts for drinks and beverages from our bar.

Discounts on Accommodation: Get discounts for your stay in other hostels.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

Yoga classes: Take free yoga classes at our place.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Fluent English

Over 19 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Stay length: 4–8 weeks ideal
Accommodation: Staff housing (shared) + access to lodge facilities
Exchange: 15 hours/week for accommodation, option for paid hours for experienced cooks

Come join our small, caring team at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat — a lakeside eco lodge surrounded by mountains, forest and world-class hiking trails.
We’re looking for a values-aligned cook or kitchen helper who cares about:
- Nutrition
- Sustainability
- Good food
- Community
- Nature

You’ll help with:
- Preparing simple, nourishing meals
- Assisting our kitchen team with salads, desserts & prep
- Keeping the kitchen organised and clean
- Supporting dinner service
- Helping with simple drinks (coffee, teas, spritzers)

What we offer:
- Warm, friendly staff accommodation
- Stunning nature at your doorstep
- A supportive, positive work culture
- Optional paid hours for those with strong cooking experience
- Access to lodge facilities (spa, lakefront, hikes)
- A chance to live slowly and mindfully in a peaceful environment

If you love cooking, care about wellbeing, and enjoy remote living, you’ll fit right in.

Activities & Shift

Primarily breakfast and lunch shifts with a couple dinner services across 5 days per week. 15 hours goes towards accommodation. Additional hours are paid.

Rules

Some experience cooking in a commercial kitchen preferred but a good attitude and aligned values goes a long way.