If you’re looking to apply for a role working at Cardrona in summer or winter, check out our employment Key Dates & FAQs for important application information!
If you’re looking to apply for a role working at Cardrona in summer or winter, check out our employment Key Dates & FAQs for important application information!
Applications for Snow Sports School positions open – January 10, 2023
Applications for Snow Sports School positions close – February 14, 2023
Applications for Specialist Mountain Positions open – February 1, 2023
Applications for Specialist Mountain Positions close – February 28, 2023
Applications for General Mountain positions open – March 1, 2023
Applications for General Mountain positions close – March 21, 2023
ONboard training for General Mountain NEW employees – Early June
Scheduled Opening Day for 2023 winter season, yeeeow! – Cardrona June 17, TC June 24
Scheduled Closing Day for 2023 winter season – Cardrona October 22, TC September 24
Summer position applications open – Mid September - Early October 2023
Once applications are open, they will appear on the Our Positions page. Search for the role you want to apply for, & apply online. You’ll need to have key documents like your CV ready.
For your application we will require the following:
If you are offered a position we will require an answer within a week of the offer. You will then be required to provide some more information regarding visa requirements, proof of qualifications & experience, accommodation needs etc. You will also receive regular emails updating you on pre-season training, visas, accommodation, police vetting etc.
Cardrona is open for approximately 19 weeks through the winter season (June – October) and approximately 16 weeks through the summer season (December – March). Most staff start paid training the week prior to opening day & generally finish at the end of the operational season. Some staff start earlier or finish later than these dates as extra prep or cleaning is necessary. A full time employee will generally work 4-5 days a week; about 7–8hrs a day. Hours or shifts may be altered due to guest demand during our busy & quiet times.
Our ONboard Induction & Training programme will prepare you for a fantastic season & teach you all you need to know about your job & working for Cardrona.
Yes, we will consider applicants that have a valid work visa that ends part way through the season. This is up to the discretion of the department supervisor to which you are applying.
No, we will only accept applications that come via the online application process within the time allowed.
In most circumstances, we prefer to hire people that are available to attend our pre-season training. However, there are situations when additional staffing is required once the season has kicked off. For applicants that cannot start employment until after the season has started, please make it very clear on your application that this is the case (& provide the date you are able to start) & this will be dealt with on a case by case basis by the supervisor of the relevant department.
If you cannot see the position as an option on the application form then no vacancies exist within this department. This may mean we have a high number of returners within that department.
Yes, we have a part time instructor course. Training takes place on the weekend. You will need to discuss your schedule with your supervisor. All our supervisors will be very happy to help you achieve your goal of becoming a Cardrona instructor.
It is New Zealand law that states all people working with children must be vetted by the New Zealand Police. If you work in the Snow Sports School, HPC, Kids’ Centre or Rentals departments you will be sent a form to fill out with your agreement.
In New Zealand most mountain employees do not live at the resort. Instead they travel daily to get up the mountain. At Cardrona we provide free transport from Wanaka to get you to work & back on days that you are rostered on. The trip up takes about 45mins each way& allows for stunning views down to the valley below.
We have buses leaving from different pick up points around Wanaka, Albert Town & Hawea. It's a bit tricky getting everybody home again so we encourage staff to find accommodation in Wanaka as most of Wanaka is easily accessible on foot. Living in Hawea or Albert Town is a bit further out so you may want to consider buying a car if you are planning on living out there.
Most of Wanaka is accessible by foot. It could take up to 30 or 40mins to walk to the outreaches of town.
Accommodation can be tight. If you are looking for accommodation here are a few options to try:
Wanaka Live
Lake Wanaka Accommodation
The Wanaka Sun
The Messenger
Some of the local real estate agents run property management sections & are worth a go. The following have some listings online:
All working people in New Zealand pay tax. To do this they need an IRD (tax) number. You will need this number prior to commencing work in order to be paid. An IRD number usually takes up to 10 days to be processed. You must be in the country to do this as you need to apply in person at the appropriate location (most likely the Post Office).
You may need to supply a letter of employment to the IRD as a form of identification. If you have been offered a position with us, please request this letter from us.
It depends which department you work for. Generally outside departments will need thermals, socks, a hat, gloves & boots capable of keeping you warm & dry. You will most certainly need some kind of eye protection (goggles in winter & sunglasses in summer are preferred by most). We will supply you with an outer layer that you will be expected to look after & return at the end of the season. Outside departments have a equipment allowance allocated to them additional to their hourly wage. Inside departments may need thermals, sturdy footwear & in some cases a hat.
We supply you with uniform that you get to keep at the end of the season (tee & hoodie). Other items of uniforms are also available at a heavily subsidised rate including merino under layer, pants & a mid layer jackets.
There are lots of options available but everybody is expected to appear clean & tidy & wear a name badge.
We do have a range of helmets, goggles, thermals & socks available to staff through the retail shop at very good rates.
Let's not forget that you'll be needing boots, skis & or a board in winter & may possibly need a bike for your role in summer. All staff who ski, snowboard or mountain bike as part of their job must wear a helmet – highly subsidised helmets are available from the retail shop at the start of the season.
If you have it your own gear; great!! If you don't have your own, we may be able to help you with a seasonal rental or sometimes we have ex-rental gear at great prices for staff. If you're an outside staff member without their own gear & need it to get around the mountain as part of your job, then you will have first option of hiring or purchasing ex-rental gear.
First year mountain wages are aligned with New Zealand Department of Labour legislation. If you have a position with more responsibility you may be paid more. We require you to fill out & submit a fortnightly time sheet online for your supervisor to check & approve before it is sent to the Payroll department. We pay you once every 2 weeks, on a Wednesday night.
You will need to arrange a New Zealand bank account prior to commencing work in order for us to pay you. We cannot pay into foreign accounts or credit cards. Below is a list of banks that have branches in Wanaka that will be only too happy to open an account for you.
We strongly recommend that you come with your own travel insurance specifically covering ski & snowboard / mountain biking related incidents, as ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) does not cover any treatment expenses out of the country. If you injure yourself while carrying out your work duties, we will cover your initial medical treatment up the mountain with Patrol. ACC covers a portion of any treatment bills necessary & will also pay a percentage of your lost wages if you are unable to resume your duties straight away.
Cardrona has a Return to Work Scheme in place & encourages injured employees to return to work when they are ready. If you, because of your injury. cannot return to your own department we will find you somewhere on the mountain that will allow you to continue earning while healing.
Every department is different & it will depend on your supervisor but yes, we encourage ride breaks as it's a great way to blow away the cobwebs & stay enthusiastic. Departments that are based on the snow have easier access to ride breaks but indoor departments will also get them, as time allows.
We have a range of roles available in summer including lift attendants, reservations, café assistants, mountain bike instructors, patrol & more. Our roles will be open from Mid September through until October. The summer season generally runs through from the start of December – End of March. For more information on what summer is all about, visit cardrona.com/summer
If there is a question you have that we have not covered, please email us.
Here's a few answers to a some commonly asked questions to help anyone aspiring to become a ski or snowboard instructor in Cardrona’s Snow Sports School.
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Gain qualifications while you’re working at Cardrona with our ONboard programme!
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0800 440 800 Freephone (within NZ)
1800 754 386 Freephone (within Australia)
Phone: +64 3 443 8880
Email: info@cardrona.com
