Fiordland Lodge sits above Lake Te Anau, looking across the water to the Murchison Mountains, at the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the Milford Road. Stone, timber and firelight inside; mountains, water and weather outside.
It is an intimate lodge, and guests are looked after personally. After a full reinstatement it reopens on 1 December 2026 with ten suites, two log cabins and The Lake House, a four-bedroom house let to one party at a time. The owners are investing in its future: nine new suites follow in October 2027, on an estate of about 32 hectares.
We are looking for a Lodge Manager to lead the next chapter. A hands-on general manager who meets guests at the door, pours the first glass by the fire and steadies the team through a full dinner service, and is just as at ease with the budget, the roster and the estate.
The Opportunity
You join at a defining moment for Fiordland Lodge. The guests, the team, the numbers and the land are in one person's hands, with real operational autonomy and direct access to the owners. You will help shape:
The guest experience and the service culture, from the first welcome to the farewell.
The opening and integration of nine new suites, taking the lodge from 12 keys to 21.
The food and beverage offer, with the Lodge Head Chef.
The gardens, grounds and facilities of the estate.
You will be the face of Fiordland Lodge. Guests should know you by name by the end of their first evening, and leave remembering how they were looked after.
What You'll Lead
GUESTS
Welcome, host and spend time with guests throughout their stay.
Lead the whole guest journey: pre-arrival, dining, days out with Fiordland Guides, The Lake House and the farewell.
Set the service standard and hold it, working alongside the team wherever the day needs you.
THE TEAM
Lead a cross-trained team of about eighteen at reopening.
Direct the Assistant Lodge Manager, Lodge Host, Executive Chef, Housekeeping Manager and Maintenance & Grounds Supervisor.
Recruit, train, roster and develop a team that delivers all year round.
THE ESTATE
Take responsibility for the lodge, log cabins, The Lake House, staff accommodation, grounds, native bush, driveways, vehicles and infrastructure.
Hold the maintenance and grounds team to an annual estate plan, with preventive maintenance, presentation and compliance.
THE BUSINESS
Own the annual operating plan and the lodge's profitability.
Drive occupancy, rate, guest spend and direct and repeat business, with support from reservations and finance.
Review trading weekly and report monthly to the directors.
About you
ESSENTIAL
Leadership in luxury hospitality, ideally at General Manager, Lodge Manager or senior operations level.
Strong guest-facing leadership, and a genuine love of personal hospitality.
Proven financial and commercial management: budgets, forecasts and operating profit.
Experience leading teams across several hospitality disciplines.
Clear written and spoken communication.
The judgement to lead independently in a remote place, when the road closes or the weather turns.
A Manager's Certificate, or eligibility to obtain one before certificated duties
a full, clean driver licence.
HIGHLY REGARDED
Experience managing a luxury lodge, boutique hotel or exclusive-use property.
A hotel opening, refurbishment or major development.
Knowledge of the New Zealand luxury tourism market.
Experience with grounds, facilities and the infrastructure of a remote property.
Above all, you lead by example and take real pride in the place.
Eligibility
We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates in New Zealand, Australia and internationally. You must hold, or be able to obtain, the legal right to work in New Zealand. Visa sponsorship will be considered for the right candidate.
How to apply
Send your CV and a covering letter about your experience leading a luxury property and your approach to hands-on hosting to [email protected], with the subject line “Lodge Manager — [your name]”.
Applications close Friday 13 November 2026. We review applications as they arrive and may begin interviewing before the closing date, so we encourage you to apply early.