About Us

Tukino Ski Field is located within the Tongariro National Park on the side of an active volcano Mt Ruapehu. The Department of Conservation (DOC) states Tongariro National Park is New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual World Heritage area. This status recognizes the park's important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features .”

Located off the Desert Road, the Tukino Ski Field is unique off piste experience with three Nutcracker Rope Tows. Tukino Ski Field is open to public (weather permitting) on the weekends during the season and on selected mid-week days when we have groups booked into Tukino.

The Tukino Ski Field is operated by the Tukino Mountain Clubs Association (TMCA). TMCA members are primarily the three clubs located at the Tukino Ski Field - Aorangi Ski Club (ASC), Desert Alpine Club (DAC) and Tukino Alpine Ski Club (TASC).

The Tukino Skifield, has been spinning the tows for skiing and boarding enthusiasts of all ages from the early 60's. We are mostly a volunteer operation where like-minded folk from all walks of life work together to deliver adventurous skiing experience to the club members and general public.

If you would like to get involved as a volunteer with the running of the Tukino Skifield you need to have a passion and energy for snowsports, and a desire to share that passion with others.  You also need to be able to work in a small team and be professional. Having a positive and enthusiastic attitude in a small team means you will be flexible and cover for other staff on their day off or help out when it’s busy.

You will need to commit to (pre-arranged) rostered work irrespective of the weather.

If you have passion for the ski industry and would like to help out in keeping Tukino legacy going we would love to hear from you!!

Each winter TMCA employs staff and engages volunteers. We have the following positions available for the 2025 season (click on role name for more information):

FULL TIME ROLES

Snow Safety Program Manager (ARM Level 6) - This role will suit an experienced ARM Level 6 qualified person who is interested in becoming our Tukino Snow Safety Program Manager. Part of this role can be carried out remotely with regular on-site visits to ensure that the Tukino Snow Safety Program is being carried out safely and effectively.

VOLUNTEER ROLES (Rostered days on duty)

Tukino Skifield Manager - if you know the ins and outs of running a ski field or any other outdoor organisation, enjoy working with a small crew and motivating them to give our skiers and boarders a great time then we suggest you apply for this role.

Snow Safety Program Operator (ARM Level 5) - if you hold an ARM Level 5 qualification (or the old AVO 1 qualification) this position will enable you to get valuable work experience working as our on-field Snow Safety Officer. You will be working under the guidance of our ARM Level 6 Snow Safety Program Manager. This work experience will look really good on your CV.

Volunteer Ski Patrollers - If you enjoy the outdoors and want to be part of ensuring people are safe on the mountain, then this job could be for you.

Lift Operators - If you enjoy working with machinery and are willing to assist in the operation of our three Nutcracker tows at Tukino, this job could be for you.

Ticket Office Cashiers - If you have a head for money and can spare a few hours each morning running our Tukino Ticket Office, this job could be for you.

Road Clearing Operators - If you are able to clear the snow off the Tukino Access Road using our Komatsu bulldozer or John Deere tractor and have a mechanical bent then this job could be for you.

Groomer Drivers - If you are are an experienced Groomer Driver and can work flexible hours grooming the Tukino Skifield when required, this job could be for you.

Ski Instructors (Ski Squad) - We run a Ski / Snowboard Development Squad at Tukino and are always looking for part time Ski Instructors.

Lodge Custodians - we have three lodges on the mountain which are run by volunteer custodians. If you have people skills, enjoy organising things and want to have a winter on the slopes this is an ideal way to achieve this. Depending on your skill set, there is also the possibility of other volunteer work on the skifield if you are interested.

If you are interested in any of the roles for the 2025 winter season, please forward a copy of your Resume or CV and cover letter to employment@tukino.org.

Please note, we do not have full time all year round staff and the off season work is almost entirely volunteer effort. Hence, although we will attempt to contact everyone back, in the event of us receiving an excessive number of applications, please do not be offended if you receive no reply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

 What can Tukino offer? 

  • Working within a small team you will see the complete workings of a ski field.

  • Training in the operations of a small club field.

  • Workplace Training for industry standard NZQA Snowsport qualifications.

 How do I apply?

Applications are open for the 2025 season. Email your details to employment@tukino.org

Do I need eligibility to work in New Zealand?

For our full-time roles a valid working visa is required.  In some cases we may be apply to sponsor an applicant but only if we have not been able to recruit for that role from existing candidates with eligibility to work in New Zealand.

Volunteers working on the Tukino Skifield do not require a valid working visa.

Accommodation options.

TMCA is able to offer all workers shared accommodation in one of the three lodges on the Tukino Skifield. This includes all meals. The lodges operate on a communal basis and you will be required to complete duties each day such as cooking or cleaning.

What will be provided?

Any required safety equipment will be provided.

What will I need to bring?

If you are employed we will send you a full list of gear but for your information here is a basic outline. 

  • Your skis/snowboard, boots, helmet, goggles and poles. Season rentals can be organised at TCB Ski Hire in Ohakune. 

  • Strong outdoor winter boots. 

  • If working outdoor ski/snow board jacket and pants along with gear that would sustain heavy work in freezing conditions. 

  • If working indoors warm comfortable gear. 

  • Warm hats and a couple of pairs of gloves.

  • Personal effects.

How do I get there?

The Tukino Access Road is a 4WD only road from the 2WD car park (Base Camp) up to the Tukino Skifield. 2WD Cars can be left at 2WD car park which is 8 kms from the Desert Road (State Highway 1) turnoff. Long term car parking can be arranged at Waiouru for full time staff.

More information about how to get to Tukino click on Getting to Tukino.

Do I need to ski or board?

If you are working outdoor you need to be an intermediate level skier or boarder as Tukino is a challenging off-piste ski area. 

If you are working indoors you can learn to ski/board on the beginner tow.