The Careers
We are looking for hospitality professionals who are passionate, rigorous, enthusiastic and warm. With the natural ability to surprise and delight, you’ll play an integral part in creating experiences that are unique, meaningful and enriching for our exclusive guests. If you are looking to advance your career to ultra-luxury heights, to work in a spectacular setting and to learn from the best, there has never been a better time to join our team.
Our team is our greatest asset. We're proud to be a family of professional, motivated and dedicated people with a diverse range of skills and experiences from all around the world. We are passionate about hospitality and committed to providing outstanding customer service to our guests. We all share the same can-do, positive attitude and work ethic which makes our team that much stronger. We love working and living in the most beautiful locations New Zealand has to offer. We offer an excellent work environment where promoting a positive work life balance is key to our success. Whether enjoying a leisurely round of golf on one of your two consecutive days off, or making the most of the Robertson Lodges ‘Perks’ app, we pride ourselves on looking after our people.
New Zealand is a seasonal travel destination, and while we operate the lodges throughout the year we do have a seasonal flow to our business. Our Peak seasons are December, January, February and March (summer). Shoulder seasons April, May, October, November and our Low season falls during the winter months of June, July, August and September. There are employment opportunities throughout the year, however Robertson Lodges carries the highest staffing levels through the Shoulder and Peak seasons.
The seasonal roles we primarily recruit for each year are Food & Beverage Service, Chefs, Housekeeping, Guest Services, Front Office and Golf Operations.
Each year we bring on our seasonal contract staff with various roles commencing in September, October and November ready for the peak summer season. Seasonal contracts will generally conclude April and May. There may be opportunity for contract extensions and these will be discussed with employees on an individual basis as they become available, including any opportunities for an employment transfer to one of the sister properties.
Sophisticated and elegant, the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, can be found bathed in the glow of morning light as the sun rises to reveal all its beauty, within 6,000 acres of spectacular landscape. Rolling farmland, complemented by the manicured greens of the golf course, leads to the ever-present Pacific Ocean, filling the horizon with blue.
This haven of hospitality offers layers of luxury and style; with attentive and personal service creating a home-away-from home experience, defined by cuisine that showcases the very best of local seasonal produce.
The Lodge, Suites, Owner’s Cottage and The Residences, with interiors designed by Virginia Fisher, are timelessly classic, offering generous space, comfort and complete relaxation.
This land has a deep and rich history, with three private beaches nestling into its high cliffs, and the ocean providing an idyllic aquatic playground for exploration and adventure.
Spectacular yet diverse coastlines, marine reserves, ancient kauri forests, and two oceans that collide make Tai Tokerau Northland – New Zealand’s northernmost, and only subtropical, region – an unmissable destination.
Download our Kauri Cliffs Applicant Guide for information on living and working in Northland here.
Set far out to the east of New Zealand’s oldest wine region, Hawke’s Bay, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers displays rustic charm alongside all the comforts of a well-appointed home, with awe-inspiring views to match.
Home to not only a working farm, lodge and spa, this unique property also boasts one of the world’s leading golf courses, and is also a sanctuary for some of New Zealand’s most precious flora and fauna.
Abundant in every season, Cape Kidnappers harvests much of its own produce from its on-site garden, providing fruit and vegetables for fresh, seasonal cuisine.
Farm by name and by nature, Cape Kidnappers offers our guests an immersive farm experience with an array of exclusive activities.
From Mahia in the north to Porangahau in the south, Hawke's Bay's 360 kilometres of coastline and beaches hug the vast Pacific Ocean.
Blessed with fertile soils and a warm temperate climate, Hawke's Bay's prosperity is founded on its land-based economy. With its thousands of acres of farms, orchards, and vineyards, along with the local industries that have grown up in support, there is a good reason why the region is held in such a high regard as New Zealand's agricultural powerhouse, and why life here beats to a seasonal drum.
Matakauri Lodge offers the best of both worlds; a quiet oasis of luxury and comfort, in close proximity to New Zealand’s vibrant adventure capital, Queenstown.
Clean lines defined in glass, stone and timber, Matakauri’s take on luxury is understated and welcoming. Private terraces champion the mountainscape, overlooking Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables mountain range, as well as Cecil and Walter Peaks.
With light-filled interiors designed by Virginia Fisher, a cellar of impressive wines and some of New Zealand’s finest cuisine, Matakauri is the ultimate sanctuary.
Queenstown is a resort town with a population of approximately 15,000. It is located on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu and is best known for its vineyards, adventure sports and ski fields - Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. No matter what the season, Queenstown offers visitors action-packed adventure and unparalleled scenery that will no doubt impress!
For full details about living and working at one of the luxury lodges in the Robertson Lodges portfolio please download the relevant applicant guide here
Matakauri Cape Kidnappers Kauri CliffsIf you see a position advertised that suits you and your experience, apply! If an advertised position interests you and your availability differs to this timeframe, please apply and indicate your specific availability on your application. If you’re coming for a specific season, it’s best to apply at least 6 - 8 weeks before you plan on arriving in NZ.
The best of the best! We are always on the lookout for the most amazing hospitality staff in the world to come and join our team! We know that our people are core to our business, so we are always open to receiving applications. If the exact role you’re looking for isn’t available, register your interest by emailing your CV and a Cover Letter to HR Manager Kari Swa at [email protected].
Many of our staff have come from all over the world to work with us here at Robertson Lodges. Some come for a season or two on a working visa, or others join us under the skilled migrant’s visas. There are many opportunities for international staff to join our team! To find out which type of visa works for you, visit New Zealand Immigration at www.immigration.govt.nz/
Yes, we encourage team members to transfer between lodges as opportunities arise, however, we require a minimum of six months service at each lodge before you will be considered for transfers.
Kauri Cliffs and Matakauri have limited staff accommodation available. If you are interested, please ask us about availability. Unfortunately, if the staff house is full you will be required to find your own alternative accommodation. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers does not provide staff housing so an online option such as trademe.co.nz is a good place to start looking for accommodation in advance of your arrival.
Uniforms are provided for most staff at Robertson Lodges, you'll receive details for the specific role you're applying for during the interview process.
You will be required to provide or purchase your own footwear, which should be comfortable, clean and tidy and simple. Our full grooming policy is available to view in our staff onboarding journal.
We welcome joint applications and if your partner has the relevant experience they may also apply for a role. If you are applying with a partner, please highlight this when applying. Both applicants must bring relevant experience and we can’t guarantee that both will be successful. Both Kauri Cliffs and Matakauri can accommodate couples in staff housing when both people are employed at the lodge.
We ask all applicants to provide as much information as possible, when they respond to a job posting. This will help us to answer lots of questions prior to the interview stage, such as where you are based; how much experience you have; whether or not you need a visa etc. If selected for interview, a Head of Department or someone from the HR team with contact you for either an in-person interview or Zoom interview, depending on your location. There will normally be 2 interviewers and this is your opportunity to shine. Following an interview, we may request permission to contact your referees and will usually aim to make a decision within a few days.
We are a family-owned company and this sense ‘family’ is key to our culture. At Robertson Lodges everyone is valued for the important role they fulfil. No part of the operation, or guest experience, would be successful, without the other. Therefore all new staff are welcomed into the family and shown appreciation for their contributions. Team members work across the departments to help others out when required and staff lunches are a great opportunity to get to know people working in all parts of the Lodge.
Our Values are ingrained in our Company culture, they are:
- Having a strong work ethic
- Being a team player
- Being service-oriented
- Having a can-do attitude
- And leading by example
Our Company mission is to provide lifetime memories to each of our valued guests through legendary service, the finest amenities and uniquely Kiwi experiences.
What we do is unique, genuine, exclusive and very special.
Absolutely! If you have the values above, then we would love to hear from you. Having the right attitude and the willingness to learn are the key attributes we look for. Many of our employees have come into roles at Robertson Lodges with no hospitality background and both their skills and passion have developed over time – taking their careers to incredible heights.
a) Can I request feedback
b) Will you keep my details for other suitable positions?
a - Yes, you will be able to request feedback as to your application from the person who notified you.
b - We will be happy to keep your details for future suitable positions, if you give us consent to do so. If we do not think there are likely to be suitable positions for you or we are unable to hire you (i.e. due to visa requirements) we will let you know.
Assistant Lodge Manager, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
"The first thing I do every day is head down to the beach to watch the sunrise and take my dog for a walk. We spend a lot of time in the outdoors here, especially in Summer. It's these little things that make living in the Hawkes Bay such a joy." After spending most of her career working in hospitality in Wellington Averil discovered the chance to work at Cape Kidnappers. As Averil was originally drawn to hospitality because of the people she quickly found herself at home "Aside from the guests and the opportunities, the best thing about working here is the team. You can tell by how long they've been there that they love it, and we really are a family who care about each other. We all know and respect how hard each other works and we all have each other's backs, that's not just limited to our lodge - but across all of the Robertson lodges throughout the country".
Lodge Manager, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
James has a background working in some of the world's finest establishments, so it's no surprise he chose to work at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers when he returned home to New Zealand from the United Kingdom. "Having worked in the luxury hospitality industry forever, I had seen Robertson Lodges take out some pretty impressive awards. I always knew in my heart that when I returned to New Zealand, I would work with them." With 5 children under 5 years old, and a busy lodge to run, it's safe to say that staying calm under pressure has become an essential life skill for Lodge Manager James. "Every day is rewarding and gives you a great sense of achievement. I'm passionate about what I do and to see the guests leave saying that this is the most incredible place they’ve stayed at is an amazing feeling and a credit to our team. There's just no place I'd rather be. I have the best job in the world."
Food & Beverage Attendant, Matakauri Lodge
Cat hails from the UK originally and never saw herself working in hospitality, let alone the luxury tourism industry! She discovered the opportunity to work in food & beverage with Robertson Lodges when Covid 19 hit and has found herself at home as a very much loved and valued team member of the Robertson Group of Lodges. When asked what she loves most about her job she replies "It's hard to decide between the amazing guests that come and stay, my colleagues who have become like family to me here, the beautiful setting that I get to work in... I just really love my job."
Head of Housekeeping, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
It's no big feat to move your family half way across the world to New Zealand, but that's exactly what Julian did when he landed his role at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers."I have worked in some of the most beautiful locations in the world - the Maldives, the Cayman Islands and the like. I wasn't exactly looking at New Zealand but when I saw the opportunity to work at a Robertson Lodge, which I knew of through the Relais & Chateux network, I jumped at the chance. I knew that it was a good step for my career, but also that the location would provide a safe and beautiful place for my family to thrive." Julian loves working in the industry because he's always been a people person. "It brings me immense joy to see the happiness on our guest's faces - their smiles say it all really. And no two days here are ever quite the same so there is always a sense of excitement. I am forever grateful that I made the move to New Zealand and Cape Kidnappers."
Lodge Manager, Matakauri Lodge
Fi sparkles when she speaks of her job "It's exciting working in luxury tourism as it’s a really unique industry to be a part of. It's so much fun and you meet the most outrageous, wonderful people - that's encompassing not only our guests but everyone who works at our lodges. We have so much fun every day, and honestly I love my job." That's pretty impressive coming from Fi whose career has seen her working in some of the most beautiful places in the world. When it came time to move back home to New Zealand, Fi was unsure that the NZ luxury tourism industry would be quite the same as the world class lodges and resorts she was used to. However, she admits she knew she made the right move the very day she started. "From the moment I met our incredible team I just knew in my heart I could count on them, and they were just as committed as I was to delivering the finest experiences possible for our guests. It’s great to be in my position and know that on my day off my team are so amazing and well equipped to deal with things that I can just sit back and relax with a lovely glass of chardonnay and enjoy the bliss I get from living in Queenstown."
Restaurant Manager, Matakauri Lodge
When you love what you do as much as I do, it doesn't even feel like work. A typical day for me is being surrounded by friendly and interesting people as we work together to create these beautiful, highly memorable experiences for our guests. I'm always enthralled by the creative dishes that our chefs come up with and can't wait to see the looks of delight on our guest's faces as they too see these stunning creations for the very first time. It's magic."
Fi
Lodge Manager - Matakauri
James
Lodge Manager - The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
Kathi
Restaurant Manager - Matakauri
Shannon
Demi Chef de Partie - The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
Averil
Assistant Lodge Manager - The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
If theres not a listing here for you right now, we did still love to hear from you and hear about your interest with us. Register your interest with and we will be in touch.
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