Restaurant Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship | Apply Now
New Zealand continues to experience steady growth in the hospitality and food service industry. From cafes and fast-food outlets to fine-dining restaurants, hotels, bars, and franchise chains, employers across the country are actively recruiting skilled and unskilled workers. Due to ongoing labour shortages, many restaurants now offer visa sponsorship to international applicants in 2026.
If you are passionate about customer service, cooking, or hospitality—and you’re looking for a pathway to work abroad—Restaurant Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship provide an excellent opportunity for both entry-level and experienced workers.
Why Restaurant Jobs Are in High Demand in New Zealand
New Zealand’s hospitality sector is facing skill shortages due to:
- Growing tourism industry
- Expansion of restaurants and cafes
- Staff turnover in hospitality
- Seasonal peaks
- Lack of local workers for certain shifts
Because of these shortages, accredited employers are hiring internationally and providing sponsorship to eligible foreign workers.
Benefits of Restaurant Jobs in New Zealand
Working in New Zealand’s restaurant and hospitality industry comes with numerous advantages:
✔ Visa Sponsorship Provided
Many employers sponsor workers through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
✔ No Experience Needed for Entry Roles
Roles such as kitchen assistants, dishwashers, cleaners, and servers often require no prior experience.
✔ Competitive Salaries
Restaurant workers earn between:
- NZD $23 – $29 per hour
- Higher rates for night shifts, weekends, and skilled positions
✔ Career Growth Opportunities
Workers can progress into:
- Supervisor
- Restaurant Manager
- Head Chef
- Bar Manager
- Front Office Lead
✔ Supportive Work Environment
New Zealand is known for:
- Multicultural workplaces
- Friendly management culture
- Work-life balance
✔ Pathway to Residency
Certain hospitality roles can count toward residency under the skilled migrant category, especially supervisory or managerial positions.
Types of Restaurant Jobs Available with Visa Sponsorship
New Zealand hires foreign workers for a wide range of roles, including:
Front-of-House Roles
- Waiter/Waitress
- Restaurant Host
- Bar Attendant
- Cashier
- Customer Service Staff
- Front Counter Crew (Fast Food)
Back-of-House Roles
- Kitchen Assistant
- Dishwasher
- Cook
- Chef / Sous Chef
- Pizza Chef
- Grill Cook
- Baker / Pastry Chef
Management & Supervisor Roles
- Restaurant Manager
- Assistant Manager
- Shift Supervisor
- Catering Supervisor
- Food & Beverage Manager
Job Responsibilities
Depending on your role, your duties may include:
Front-of-House Duties
- Greeting and serving customers
- Taking orders and processing payments
- Maintaining clean tables and dining areas
- Handling customer inquiries
- Delivering food and drinks
Back-of-House Duties
- Food preparation and cooking
- Washing plates, utensils, and kitchen equipment
- Cleaning the kitchen
- Assisting chefs
- Following hygiene and safety standards
Managerial Duties
- Staff supervision
- Inventory management
- Handling budgets and reports
- Overseeing customer service quality
- Ensuring compliance with food safety laws
Salary Expectations
Restaurant salaries depend on experience and job type:
- Entry-level roles: NZD $48,000 – $55,000 per year
- Skilled cooks/chefs: NZD $55,000 – $75,000 per year
- Supervisors: NZD $60,000 – $85,000 per year
- Managers: NZD $75,000 – $120,000+ per year
Overtime, public holiday pay, and weekend rates can significantly increase income.
Visa Options for Restaurant Workers
1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
This is the main pathway for restaurant jobs that offer sponsorship.
Requirements:
- Job offer from an accredited employer
- Minimum wage threshold met
- Skills or experience (for some roles)
2. Working Holiday Visa
For eligible countries—allows part-time or full-time work in hospitality.
3. Skilled Migrant Category (Residency)
Supervisors, chefs, and managers can qualify for residency.
I would like to apply for the catering vacancies