For Those Who Thrive in the Snow
For those who feel most alive when the mountains are covered in snow, here’s a place to belong. A simple, warm base, 15 minutes to the slopes, where you can ski and board Whakapapa from.
What's the opportunity here?
Ski and board Whakapapa without paying peak winter accommodation rent.
We’re offering a straightforward work-stay arrangement for people who want to spend their winter in the mountains. In exchange for 12 hours of light outdoor work per week (flexibly scheduled around your ski days), you get a clean private room with your own private bathroom, heating, WiFi, power, and laundry included — plus access to a shared private kitchen.
It’s a simple, comfortable setup designed for skiers and snowboarders who want to be on the snow, not worrying about expensive lodging.
Check out Frequently Asked Questions about this opportunity before you apply
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Discovery Lodge rests at the foot of Tongariro’s three active volcanoes, on ten acres of open land in the heart of the Central Plateau. Just 15 minutes from the Whakapapa ski slopes, it offers a quiet, peaceful base surrounded by wild mountain landscapes — the perfect place to return to after a day on the snow.
While this role doesn’t come with a traditional paycheck, the rewards are pretty special. You’ll have your own private room with bathroom and heating, plus WiFi, power, and laundry included. It’s a warm, simple base just 15 minutes from Whakapapa — with Tongariro National Park right on your doorstep. The kind of “payment” that money can’t buy. 😊
You might be wondering why the Backpacker Board said it was a paid position. The reason is the Backpacker Board does not have an "unpaid" setting option.
The volunteer work is mostly outside, and includes tasks such as trimming bushes & trees, water blasting, painting, cleaning, gardening and any other similar chores we find.
It works out to 12 hours per week for the two of you, or 6 hours per person each week. How and when these hours are completed is flexible.
You’ll have your own private room with a private bathroom, heating, WiFi, power, and laundry included, plus access to a shared kitchen.
Fairly flexible. There is some scheduled cleaning. Otherwise we’ll schedule your work around when you want to ski and ride, or perhaps work a paid job.
