Chef

Join the kitchen team at Moutere Hills Restaurant and Cellar Door in Nelson as a Chef. You'll be cooking real food for guests who care about quality, working alongside an experienced team in a beautiful vineyard setting. This is a contract role perfect for someone with a bit of kitchen experience under their belt who's ready to grow their skills and take on more responsibility. You'll prep, cook, and plate dishes that showcase local ingredients and pair beautifully with the wines we produce.
Moutere Hills Restaurant and Cellar Door are looking for an experienced all round chef to join the team.  This is a fixed term position from October - end of April 2027 potential for longer for the right candidate.

We are based in the Upper Moutere, Tasman in a beautiful vineyard setting.  The restaurant is open for lunch currently 5 days a week (6 days in Summer) with just one dinner service on a Friday night, and some busy and exciting functions, weddings and events already locked in for the coming months. 

We have a great set of chefs already in place to drive us through the tail end of the summer months and you would be working closely with our Head Chef and pastry chef.

The kitchen is well equipped with a separate pastry room, plenty of equipment and a good space to work in with others.

Great environment, excellent food, fantastic wines topped with an outstanding service.

We focus on fresh local produce and ingredients, giving the customer a fantastic food and service experience every time.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to work in a beautiful area with a great work life balance on offer.

Working Holiday Visas accepted but ideally looking for long term candidates, Please note no Accommodation is available with this job.

Website - https://mouterehillsrestaurantandcellardoor.co.nz/

• Prepare and cook dishes to our menu standards, working efficiently during service
• Prep ingredients and mise en place at the start of your shift
• Plate and present dishes to a high standard
• Keep your station clean and organised, following food safety practices
• Work as part of the kitchen team, supporting other staff when needed
• Take feedback from chefs and head cooks, and keep improving your technique

• 1–2 years' experience working in a kitchen
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices
• Ability to stay calm and work well with a team during busy service
• Enthusiasm to learn and develop your cooking skills

• You'll work in a stunning location with access to quality local produce and our own wines
• The team invests in training and wants to help you grow as a chef
• Contract role with good pay ($33–$36/hr) and flexible arrangements
• Great opportunity to build your CV and experience in a respected restaurant kitchen