Pio Pio Restaurant

At Pio Pio, food is at the heart of the experience.

We’re passionate about flavour, quality and creativity. Our kitchen celebrates local ingredients, bold flavours, thoughtful technique, and food that tells a story about place - creating dining moments our guests remember long after they leave. All delivered through a professional, sustainable, and industry-leading operation.

Named after the Māori name for Milford Sound, Piopiotahi, Pio Pio is the onsite restaurant at Milford Sound Lodge, serving around 70 guests each night in an intimate, lodge dining environment.

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 ambition is to become New Zealand’s best remote restaurant and our guests’ new favourite - known not just for our extraordinary location, but for exceptional food, strong leadership, and a great team culture.

Our Food Philosophy

Our food philosophy is grounded in:

• Seasonal, local New Zealand produce

• Hand-crafted elements and full-flavoured cooking

• Thoughtful, beautifully considered dishes that spark conversation

• A balance of creativity, refinement, and consistency

We’re proud of our food. We care deeply about flavour, technique, and experience. We want guests to leave talking about what they ate, not just where they stayed.

What is it like working at Pio Pio Restaurant?

Working at Pio Pio is about being part of a small, highly professional team in one of the most unique hospitality environments in the world.

You’ll work in a modern, well-equipped kitchen designed to support high-quality service and a calm, organised way of working. Our systems, processes, and tools are built to create clarity and consistency - so the kitchen runs smoothly, even in a remote location.

But what really defines working at Pio Pio is the culture.

We believe great kitchens are built on respect, teamwork, and continuous improvement. We value people who are curious, motivated, and willing to learn - and we actively invest in training, mentoring, and professional development.

This is a place where:

• standards are high, but support is real

• feedback is encouraged and constructive

• systems exist to help you succeed, not control you

• leadership is calm, human, and hands-on

• people are trusted to take ownership and grow

Because we’re a lodge restaurant, the pace is focused and intentional, rather than chaotic. You’re not cooking for hundreds of covers a night - you’re part of a team delivering a refined, premium dining experience for a smaller number of guests (60-70), with the time and space to do things properly.

Add to that the lifestyle: living and working in Milford Sound means no commute, no city distractions, and being surrounded by mountains, rainforest, and wilderness every day. It’s a rare opportunity to focus on your craft, your growth, and your wellbeing - all at the same time.

Pio Pio’s reputation is growing fast - it’s becoming one of the most talked-about and highly recommended dining experiences in Fiordland and New Zealand. 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.