UH 2026 Lodge Manager

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Ultimate Hikes is seeking a Lodge Manager to lead the remote lodge operations on the Milford or Routeburn Tracks for the 2026 to 2027 season, from mid October to mid April. You’ll supervise staff, cultivate a warm guest experience, manage rosters and administrative tasks, oversee safety and compliance, and collaborate with the kitchen team while living on-site for up to five weeks at a time with shifts including evenings and weekends. Essential: Level 2 Comprehensive First Aid, Manager’s Certificate (supply and sale of alcohol), NZ work rights, and strong communication and computer skills plus a proven ability to resolve issues early. Personal traits: resilient, quick learner, self-aware, team player, adaptable. To apply, tailor your resume to show hospitality leadership, remote operations experience, safety leadership, and a genuine commitment to 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 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 Managers oversee daily operations of our lodges and teams, ensuring excellent guest experiences. The role includes training and leading staff, working with the team towards common goals, promoting continuous learning and open feedback, and managing all health and safety aspects of the lodge. You will be part of a close-knit team providing a high standard of service throughout the lodge. The role is seasonal, from mid October 2026 until mid April 2027.
Key responsibilities

Leadership & Team Direction: Lead and manage a team with a confident, proactive approach, working closely with the Assistant Manager to build a unified and effective management team.
Guest Experience & Hospitality: Create a warm and welcoming environment for guests, with high standards of guest service.
Operations & Administration: Manage the overall lodge operation, including staff rosters and attendance and lodge reports, 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, holding lodge Health & Safety meetings, and undertaking compliance and regulatory lodge tasks.

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
• 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.