Hospitality Jobs in New Zealand 2026: Front of House Team Member
Looking for a summer hospitality job in one of New Zealand’s most scenic places? The Fat Duck, an award-winning gastropub in Te Anau, on the edge of Fiordland National Park, is hiring Front of House Team Members for the summer. Full-time, part-time and fixed-term roles run through to the end of April, with the possibility of permanent positions for the right people. The pay is $25 to $27 per hour, with weekly performance bonuses when targets are met.
This is a good fit for friendly, quick-thinking people who enjoy talking to customers and working in a busy team. No experience with the restaurant’s systems is needed, because full training is provided, and the employer says personality and attitude matter most.
Below you’ll find complete details on this hospitality job in New Zealand, including pay, duties, requirements, employer information and a step-by-step guide on how to apply.
Important for visa seekers: This ad does not offer visa sponsorship. The employer says applicants must currently be in New Zealand and already have the right to work in New Zealand. If you found this ad by searching for “visa sponsorship” jobs, it is not one of them, so only apply if you already have work rights and are in the country.
About the Employer
The Fat Duck is a family-owned gastropub at 124 Town Centre, Te Anau, in the Southland region. Its website says it was named New Zealand’s Best Gastropub 2025 by Hospitality New Zealand, which it credits to its team, guests and the Te Anau community. It serves dinner using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, and it is open Tuesday to Sunday from 4:30pm, moving to seven days a week from November to May, as the ad notes.
Do not confuse it with the famous UK restaurant of the same name. The pub’s own website jokes that people searching for the Michelin-starred Fat Duck sometimes end up on its page. Te Anau is a base for visitors to Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, so the town is busy in summer.
Job Details
Job Title: Front of House Team Member – Fixed-Term Summer Position
Company Name: The Fat Duck
Country: New Zealand
Location: Te Anau, Southland (9600)
Salary: $25 to $27 per hour, plus weekly performance bonuses when targets are met
Job Type: Contract (fixed-term), full-time; part-time also available
Contract Length: Through to the end of April, with the possibility of permanent roles
Shifts: Dinner service only; opening and closing shifts and weekends
Operating Days: Tuesday to Sunday from 4:30pm, increasing to seven days from November to May
Start Date: September or October, or November (applicants must be available through April)
Experience: Not required; full training provided
Education: Not specified by the employer
Work Rights: Must be in New Zealand with the right to work; no visa sponsorship
Vacancies: Not specified by the employer
Posted: Not shown on the listing
Closing Date: Not specified by the employer
Job Responsibilities
As a Front of House Team Member at The Fat Duck, your main duties will include:
- Giving a high level of service and making customers feel genuinely welcome
- Taking time to chat with customers and make their experience memorable
- Keeping up with a busy summer service
- Using the restaurant’s digital systems and apps in its daily and weekly operations
- Working as part of the front-of-house team, including opening and closing the restaurant
Job Requirements
To apply for this hospitality job in New Zealand, candidates should be:
- Someone who genuinely enjoys talking to people and goes the extra mile
- Able to think on their feet during busy summer service
- A team player with a positive attitude
- Happy to learn and use digital hospitality systems
- Available for opening and closing shifts and weekends
- Available to start in September or October, or in November, and to stay through April
- Currently in New Zealand with the right to work there
You do not need to know everything when you arrive, as the employer will train you in its service systems.
Required Documents
The employer has not published a document checklist. Applicants should generally prepare:
- An updated CV, including any hospitality, retail or customer service experience
- Proof of your right to work in New Zealand
- Contact details for referees
- Your availability for the start date and through April
Employee Benefits
The Fat Duck lists the following:
- Pay of $25 to $27 per hour, with weekly performance bonuses when targets are met
- Full training in its service standards and systems
- Opportunities to learn, develop and progress, and possible permanent roles
- Strong systems and up-to-date hospitality technology
- A professional, supportive and encouraging workplace
- Help finding accommodation in Te Anau if needed
- Dinner service only, so no daytime shifts
Who Can Apply?
You may apply for this position if you:
- Are already in New Zealand and have the right to work there
- Are friendly, outgoing and comfortable in a busy restaurant
- Can work evenings and weekends, including opening and closing shifts
- Can start in September, October or November, and stay until April
Applicants who need a visa or sponsorship should not apply, because the employer cannot provide it.
Why You Should Apply
This job is a good fit for people who want a seasonal job with a clear end date and a chance to stay on. The pay of $25 to $27 per hour is clearly stated, and weekly bonuses can add to it. Help finding accommodation in a small, busy tourist town is a real advantage, as housing in places like Te Anau can be hard to find in summer.
The Fat Duck is a recognised, award-winning venue, so the job can build your hospitality skills and give you a strong reference. It is also set in Fiordland, close to hiking, lakes and national park activities.
How to Apply
Follow these simple steps to apply for the Front of House position at The Fat Duck:
Step 1: Check that you are in New Zealand and have the right to work there.
Step 2: Confirm that you can work evenings and weekends, start in time and stay until April.
Step 3: Update your CV, with any hospitality, customer service or retail experience.
Step 4: Open the listing using the link below and click “Apply for this job”, or check the Careers page on the restaurant’s website.
Step 5: Ask about accommodation, the number of hours and the weekly bonus targets, then wait to be contacted.
Official Job Listing (Adzuna): https://www.adzuna.co.nz/details/5925131399
Restaurant Website: https://www.thefatduck.co.nz (it has a Careers page)
Phone: (03) 249 8480
Email: bookings@thefatduck.co.nz (the restaurant’s booking address; the site also lists office@thefatduck.co.nz for functions)
Address: 124 Town Centre, Te Anau 9600
Note: the listing has no closing date, but the employer wants staff to start in September, October or November, so apply as early as possible.
Safety tip: Never pay anyone for a job offer or accommodation before you have a written agreement. Genuine employers do not charge candidates to be hired. Check accommodation details and get your employment agreement in writing before you travel to Te Anau.
Final Words
This Front of House role at The Fat Duck is a good opportunity for people who are already in New Zealand with work rights and want a friendly, well-paid summer job in Fiordland. Because the employer cannot sponsor visas, apply only if you already have the right to work, and ask about accommodation, hours and bonus targets before you start.
Disclaimer: This website is only sharing information about this job vacancy for the convenience of job seekers. We are not the employer and are not involved in the hiring or recruitment process in any way. Please apply directly through the official listing or the employer’s own contact details, and confirm all job details, including pay, hours and work rights requirements, before applying.
