Chef

Chef – Waitaki Braids Cafe & Lodge, Kurow

We’re on the lookout for a capable and creative chef to join our small team at Waitaki Braids Cafe & Lodge in Kurow, right in the heart of the Waitaki Valley.

We’re a full café and boutique lodge open 7 days. By day, we’re a cozy but vibrant café and coffee house, serving great coffee, fresh baking, and seasonal dishes. By night, we cater to travellers on the Alps to Ocean cycle trail and offer an elevated, three-course dining experience for our lodge guests.

What the role involves:

• Helping with daytime café service - prepping food, cooking simple dishes, baking.

• Assisting with our evening dinners - working alongside our existing team or taking the lead on quieter nights.

• Keeping things running smoothly in a small, hands-on team in a busy environment. 

• Bringing fresh ideas and energy to our seasonal menu and kitchen flow.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has solid cooking experience (ideally both daytime café and evening service but mainly just passionate about good food).

• Is adaptable and happy to lend a hand wherever needed.

• Works well independently but enjoys being part of a tight-knit team.

• Brings positivity, creativity, and care to what they do.

We can offer accommodation, a supportive team, and the chance to enjoy rural NZ experience.