Want to live in New Zealand’s beautiful orchards and make $20 to $50 an hour Fruit picking jobs in New Zealand 2025 are a great way to make money, whether you work full-time or part-time. People who have worked in a related field for one to two years can enjoy working outside, connecting with nature, and being part of a friendly team. Picking fruits and vegetables is a great way to make money for your trips and see the countryside. Backpackers can usually find short-term jobs on short notice because picking is seasonal. With that in mind, we made a list of the typical picking seasons in New Zealand so you know what kinds of picking jobs to look for at different times of the year. Because the weather varies across New Zealand, the kinds of fruits and vegetables that grow there and when they are picked also vary. This is why we made this short guide to the picking seasons. Check out the article below to find out when the best time of year is to apply for picking jobs in New Zealand.
Key Responsibilities
- As a fruit picker, your main responsibilities will be
- Picking ripe fruit with care and precision.
- Following strict rules for quality and harvesting.
- Working with other workers to make sure the harvest goes well.
- Keeping a strong work ethic and following safety rules.
- Education and Qualifications:
- A strong work ethic and the ability to work outside.
- The ability to work well with others and communicate clearly.
- A willingness to learn and follow the rules for picking fruit.
- People who meet the requirements will get a visa.
Qualifications and Education
- You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for these positions:
- Have at least a high school diploma or something similar.
- Have worked in fruit picking or a similar field for one to two years
- Be in good shape and ready to work outside for extended periods.
- Be able to work well with others and communicate effectively.
- Be ready to follow the farm’s rules about picking and safety.
Candidates who meet the requirements will get visa sponsorship.
You will be working outside in orchards, vineyards, or fruit farms as a fruit picker. You have to do things like climb ladders, carry baskets, and sort fruits for this job. You will work closely with a helpful team and follow clear safety rules. Most farms give their workers breaks, water, and sometimes lunch.
New Zealand has a great climate
The weather in New Zealand is mild, and it rains a lot. The average high temperature in the summer, from December to March, when most fruits are picked, is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius (68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). In the winter, it is between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius (50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit). The weather can really change things because you’ll be outside in the fields and orchards for 8 to 10 hours a day. When it rains, fruit picking stops, and an extra day in bed is a welcome break for sore muscles.
The Benefits of Picking Fruit
In New Zealand, you can pick grapes on a farm at certain times of the year. There are many fruit-picking jobs in New Zealand, and the grape harvest lasts for two months each year. If you’re already travelling and need to get more money, or if you’re stuck at home without a job and can only dream about going on a trip, one option is to look to the international countryside as a refreshing change of scenery to ride out any recessions or lack of interesting work at home. New Zealand is a great place to begin. The country has a steady need for seasonal workers due to flexible visa rules and an agricultural-based economy. If you want to stay longer on the road, you can get a tourist visa or apply for a “variation of stay” and work legally. There are several other visas available, such as the “Recognized Seasonal Worker” or the “Working Holiday Scheme.” For more information, go to the New Zealand Immigration website.
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Taking in the natural beauty of New Zealand
There are volcanoes, glaciers, rushing rivers, mountains, and beautiful beaches on both the North and South Islands. Queenstown, on the South Island, is the world’s extreme sports capital. If you want thrills and adventure, this is the place to go. One of the many things to do is the famous AJ Hackett bungee jumps, which offer dizzying heights and platforms. Working the land and living so close to nature is something special. Even though it hurts like hell and takes a lot of mental strength to get through the pain barrier, it’s all worth it in a very humbling way.
- You keep going, even though your hands are sore and you have bruises, and you keep saying up, pick, down, drop. It’s not the money that keeps you going; it’s the fun, the friendship you have with other farmhands, and the way of life that is so natural that all your worries go away as soon as you get in sync with the rhythm of life in the orchard.
- Picking fruit for three months paid for three more months of travelling all over New Zealand. The strength and endurance I gained made it easier to do other adventures, which made them more fun. I was able to save money on transportation and sometimes on lodging by using the money I made to buy a van. When I left New Zealand, I sold my beloved van for a profit. Hey there, Hawaii!
How to Apply for Fruit picking jobs in New Zealand 2025
- Find a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Look for jobs on official sites like Work the Seasons NZ or Jobs.govt.nz.
- Apply Directly: Send in your CV and cover letter that show off your teamwork and physical fitness skills.
- Get a Job Offer: If you get hired, the company will pay for your visa application.
- Online application for the RSE Visa. To apply for an RSE Visa, go to the official Immigration New Zealand website, create an account, and submit your application with the job offer attached.