Pio Pio Restaurant

Pio Pio offers high quality, locally sourced and Kiwi inspired a la carte breakfast, lunch and evening dining. Excellent people and culinary skills are a must to join our dedicated team and ensure our reputation of excellent dining and truly ‘hosting’ our guests is upheld.

What is Pio Pio?

Named after the Māori name for Milford Sound, Piopiotahi, Pio Pio is Milford Sound Lodge’s onsite restaurant, catering for our lodge guests and locals, approximately 75 diners each evening over the summer months.

Our mission is - "Serving up memorable connections to place and people"

We will do this by:

• Creating a consistently warm, welcoming atmosphere

• Offering accessible, experiential menus

• Developing a kitchen that nurtures both food and community

Our vision is - "To become our guests favourite restaurant".

What is it like working at Pio Pio Restaurant?

Working at Pio Pio Restaurant means joining a modern, well-equipped kitchen with high standards and a strong sense of pride in what we do. Our mostly international chefs create a positive, professional environment where learning and growth are encouraged. The kitchen is highly organised, systemised, and designed for efficiency, with up-to-date equipment and excellent leadership support.

Pio Pio serves contemporary New Zealand cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients - celebrating the unique flavours of Fiordland in every dish. We handmake all elements of our dishes on site, from sauces to garnishes, ensuring exceptional quality and attention to detail in every plate.

Pio Pio’s reputation is growing fast - it’s becoming one of the most talked-about and highly recommended dining experiences in Fiordland. It’s an exciting time to jump on board.

What is it like working as a Lodge Host at Milford Sound Lodge?

Housekeeping Team – Pride in the Details

Joining our housekeeping team means becoming part of a fast-paced, supportive crew that takes pride in creating a welcoming, high-quality experience for every guest. Housekeepers at Milford Sound Lodge play a crucial role in maintaining our beautifully presented chalets and facilities.

This is a physically active role in a highly systemised and structured environment, with full training provided. Our team culture is positive, respectful, and always focused on doing the job well. An eye for detail, self-motivation, and a strong work ethic are key.

Most roles involve working in both housekeeping and front of house, offering variety and the chance to develop a broad skill set.

You'll enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done, supportive leadership, and the chance to live and work in one of the most spectacular places in New Zealand. It’s a great way to gain skills, meet amazing people, and be part of something special.

Front of House – Leading the Dining Experience

Our Front of House team plays a key role in delivering an exceptional dining experience at Pio Pio Restaurant. It’s a varied, people-focused role that includes greeting diners, taking orders, serving meals and drinks, and creating a warm, professional atmosphere for our guests.

We’re looking for enthusiastic, organised individuals who genuinely enjoy helping others and thrive in a structured, high-performing team. You’ll receive training, mentoring, and support, and work in a fast-paced environment with systems in place to help you succeed.

Most roles involve working in both housekeeping and front of house, offering variety and the chance to develop a broad skill set.

If you’re friendly, professional, calm under pressure, and love delivering great service, this is a fantastic opportunity to build your skills and be part of a unique and unforgettable workplace.

Guest Services – Hosts of the Fiordland Experience

Our Guest Services team is at the heart of our operation, helping guests feel welcome, informed, and cared for from the moment they arrive. This is a dynamic role that includes guest check-ins, concierge-style advice, and day-to-day problem-solving.

You’ll need strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a love of people. Whether you’re offering local recommendations or ensuring a seamless stay, you’ll be supported by clear systems, thorough training, and a tight-knit team environment.

This is more than a desk job - it’s a chance to share the magic of Milford Sound, gain valuable skills, and help turn a bucket-list visit into an unforgettable memory.