Manaaki
Food, Hospitality and Tourism
Prepare for an exciting career in a dynamic, service-oriented industry.
At Ara you'll be inspired by a team of talented, dedicated tutors who are proud of our Food and Hospitality's positive culture. When you choose to study with us, you can be 100 per cent confident that you'll be learning in a creative, supportive environment.
Our food and hospitality programmes are offered at our Christchurch (City), Timaru and Oamaru campuses.
NB: If you’re still at high school, a Dual Enrolment programme at Ara can equip you with skills while you continue your education at school. Find out more here.
Choose from qualifications in chef training, bakery, hospitality management and tourism and hospitality food and beverage. You can also train for the Licence Controller's Qualification (LCQ) or study short courses in Bar Service Essentials, Food Safety and Barista Essentials.
Our Food and Hospitality facilities are purpose-built for training purposes and include:
- Five kitchens and a professional bakery facility
- Fully licenced training restaurant, bar and café environments
- Training reception and hotel suite
- Training bar and barista room.
We are proud of the close relationships we have with industry organisations including:
- Industry training organisations (ITOs)
- Hotel groups
- Producer boards
- Retail sector experts
- International colleges.
These industry associations give you valuable exposure to industry leaders and experts who are regularly invited to lecture, teach and train students in various specialty areas. These opportunities provide you with relevant, up to date specialist industry knowledge which supports the skills and experience you gain through your studies.
Ara graduates succeed locally and globally, whether working with international hotels, intimate restaurants or global businesses. An Ara qualification gives employers a clear signal that you have the skills and practical experience to contribute to the workplace from day one.
Our Food and Hospitality students have won the Nestlé Torque d'Or 14 times in the 23 years that the competition has run. Teams of two culinary students and one restaurant service student go head-to-head in a live kitchen cook off to produce six covers of a three course meal in two and a half hours. Many past competitors now hold positions as industry leaders.
If you think you may require modifications in order to undertake the practical components of a particular course of study, we encourage you to discuss these with us so we can give them careful consideration.
As it may take time to consider and implement any modifications, please contact disability@ara.ac.nz as early as possible prior to the course starting. We’ll also need to check that there’s no risk of harm to you or anyone else before making a final decision.
Throughout this process we’ll communicate with you in a clear and timely manner.
Related programmes & courses
New Zealand Diploma in Hospitality Management (Level 5)
Equip yourself with management skills for the hospitality industry.
Diploma in Cookery – Advanced Cookery
Learn how to produce advanced dishes and take a leading role in commercial kitchen environments.
Diploma in Cookery – Advanced Patisserie
Acquire advanced patisserie skills and take a leading role in commercial kitchen environments.
New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)
Become competent and confident cooking complex dishes in fast-paced commercial kitchen environments.
Certificate in Food and Beverage Service Level 3 (Barista and Restaurant Service)
Gain food and beverage service skills in our specialist training facilities, mentored by expert tutors
Barista Essentials
This course will give you the technical skills required to operate a commercial espresso machine and produce espresso and espresso-based beverages.
Certificate in Food and Beverage Service Level 3 (Work Integrated)
Enhance your food and beverage skills in the workplace.