UH 2026 Lodge Assistant Manager

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Ultimate Hikes is seeking a Lodge Assistant Manager for the 2026 season to support daily lodge operations at a Milford or Routeburn remote lodge, living onsite for up to five weeks at a time from mid October 2026 to mid April 2027. You’ll assist with housekeeping, guest services and kitchen support, and in the Manager’s absence lead the team, manage shifts including evenings and weekends, and help maintain safety. The role rewards hospitality passion, teamwork, proactive problem solving, and clear communication in a remote setting. Essentials: Level 2 First Aid, Manager’s Certificate, right to work in NZ, basic IT skills. Apply with concrete guest experiences and show alignment with the Tiaki Promise.

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Ultimate Hikes are the exclusive operators of multi day guided walks on the famous Milford & Routeburn Tracks. The tracks are New Zealand's most iconic of the Great Walks, and along with the Greenstone Track, showcase the majestic nature of Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks. We combine the opportunity to inhabit these great locations and challenging hiking tracks with the comfort of private lodges and unique hospitality in the most remote of locations. Over the season we employ a range of people who work together to make our guided walks the most memorable experience for our guests.


Position Summary – Lodge Assistant Manager

Ultimate Hikes offers guided multi-day walks on New Zealand’s Milford and Routeburn Tracks, blending hiking with comfortable lodges and exceptional hospitality in Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks. Join our team to create unforgettable guest experiences in stunning locations!
Purpose

Lodge Assistant Managers assist the Manager in overseeing daily operations of our lodges and teams, ensuring excellent guest experiences; and also undertake housekeeping and hospitality duties as part of the role. The role includes supporting the Manager in all aspects of lodge operations, housekeeping, hospitality and kitchen support. The role is seasonal, from mid October 2026 until mid April 2027.
Key responsibilities

Housekeeping & Hospitality: Provide housekeeping, guest services/hospitality and assist with kitchen operations.
Leadership & Team Direction: Support the Manager in leading and managing the team, and also manage the lodge in the Manager’s absence, with a confident, proactive approach, working closely with the Assistant Manager to build a unified and effective management team.
Guest Experience: Create a warm and welcoming environment for guests, with high standards of guest service.
Operations & Administration: In the Manager’s absence, manage the overall lodge operation, work closely with the kitchen team, work split shifts of varying hours and duties as required, including evenings and weekends, assist with basic lodge maintenance and repairs.
Health, Safety & Compliance: Follow the lodge's Safety Management System, checking all lodge equipment is safe and in working condition, participate in lodge Health & Safety meetings, and undertaking compliance and regulatory lodge tasks in the Manager’s absence.

Location
The role is based at one of the remote lodges on the Milford or Routeburn Tracks where you will work and live for up to five weeks at a time.

Person specifications

We are seeking passionate, resilient team players with:
• A passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences and hospitality
• Housekeeping and/or hospitality experience
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment
• Strong communication skills & proficient in computer systems, including Microsoft Office
• An ability to identify and resolve problems early to ensure the continuity of a strong team and smoothly running lodge
• Confidence in addressing groups, including customers and team members
• Current Level 2 Comprehensive First Aid (NZ) and Manager’s Certificate (supply & sale of alcohol)
• A right to work in New Zealand

Personal Characteristics should include:
• Driven: Thrives in high-pressure settings
• Quick Learner: Seeks and applies feedback
• Self-Aware: Understands impact, builds trust
• Gets the best out of others: Motivates and develops others
• Adaptable: Adjusts to diverse needs
• Team Player: Builds relationships, resolves conflicts


Ultimate Hikes are guardians of the environment we operate in. We are leaders in the safety and education of visitors to the region and we are responsible for the health, safety and wellbeing of the people who live and work there on our behalf.
We take this commitment very seriously and pledge that everything we do will be in keeping with our own Tiaki Promise - caring for people and place.