Cabin Attendant - Summer fixed term

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KiwiRail seeks a Cabin Attendant for a summer fixed-term role at Kaiwharawhara, Wellington, with four-week training starting September or October 2026 and a contract from mid-September 2026 to early April 2027. The role features 10-hour walk-on walk-off shifts, meals on board, uniform, and a six-on three-off roster with pro-rated annual leave; you’ll gain seafaring qualifications. Eligible applicants include 18+ on a working holiday visa valid to at least March 2027 or hospitality or study students seeking summer work. A reliable way to reach the terminal is required and a pre-employment drug test will be conducted. To apply, tailor your CV to show customer service, teamwork, calm under pressure, and willingness to learn, and confirm availability for all shifts and training.

Cabin Attendant – summer fixed term 

Position Description

• Must be available to start training in September or October
• Fixed term mid-September 2026 to early April 2027
• Kaiwharawhara Ferry Terminal, Wellington

He kōrero mō mātou | About us:

At KiwiRail, we connect New Zealanders sustainably, powering economic growth and ensuring vital freight and passenger services run smoothly. Our mission, "Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand," highlights our dedication to sustainability and community well-being. 

Our people make KiwiRail exceptional. By fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace, we empower everyone to contribute their best. If you’re passionate about innovation and safety, we’d love to welcome you aboard. 

He whakamārama mo te tūranga mahi | About the role:

You will provide our customers with an exceptional experience while they are travelling across the Cook Strait by ensuring you stay focused and on your toes in a dynamic environment.

While you are travelling the same route each time, no day on the Interislander looks the same. 

You’ll work on a walk-on, walk-off basis which means when you end your shift on the ship you can go back to the comfort of your own home.  Shifts are 10 hours long and you will need the ability to get yourself to and from Wellington Ferry Terminal, Kaiwharawhara and not depend on public transport.  You must be able to pass a drug test as part of our pre-employment process.

We offer a salary of $67,238 per annum, pro-rated for the period worked.  These roles are fixed term and full time. As you’re working at our peak time, we need you onboard for all your shifts, so annual leave is not an option to take over the summer season.

You must be available to complete the paid, four-week training course (starts in either September or October 2026) prior to jumping on board one of our vessels.

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What (skills) you will bring:

This role might just be for you if:

• You are here on a working holiday visa valid to at least early March 2027
• You are a student looking for summer work (you must be a minimum of 18 years old to be considered), or you’re in the hospitality industry looking for stability over the Christmas period or maybe you just want a change in role and want to work in a dynamic organisation
• You like working in a role where you are stretched every day and where no day will ever be the same
• You enjoy working within a team environment to achieve the common goal of impeccable customer experience and ensure passengers are kept safe on their journeys
• You have the ability to multi-task and problem solve and can do these things on the fly if an issue was to arise
• You don’t get flustered under pressure and can remain calm and focused in potentially stressful situations
• You have a positive can-do attitude to ensure customer needs are met

You don’t need any previous experience or training; this will be done when you join us.  You just need to show us you have excellent interpersonal skills; you have a passion for learning and you’re committed to the fixed term contract.

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you: 

• All meals provided on board while on shift
• Uniform provided
• Fully paid training - gain internationally recognised seafaring qualifications
• 6 days on, 3 days off shift roster
• 24 annual leave days pro-rated
• Access to benefits through our Staff Welfare Trust

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to Make a Difference?

Rā aukati | Applications close: 2 August 2026

We will be shortlisting and interviewing as we advertise, so don’t delay with your application!