If yes, this seasonal job could be your perfect opportunity! Apple picking in New Zealand is a physical, rewarding, and exciting job. You’ll work full-time outdoors, earn around $23 per hour, and gain valuable experience in a fun, social, and beautiful environment. This role is on-site work, so remote options aren’t available, but the experience of working in New Zealand’s stunning orchards is priceless.
Details of Apple Picking Job in New Zealand:
- Title: Apple Picking Jobs in New Zealand With Visa
- Salary: Average $23 per hour, ~$48,151 per year
- Job Type: Full-time, seasonal
- Country: New Zealand
- Visa Sponsorship: Available for eligible applicants
- Work Environment: Outdoor, rural areas, physically active
Job Responsibilities:
- Harvesting Apples: Carefully pick apples without damaging them.
- Sorting Apples: Separate apples by size, quality, and ripeness.
- Loading and Transporting Bins: Safely move apples to storage or packing areas.
- Maintaining Safety Standards: Follow safety protocols at all times.
- Assisting with Other Orchard Tasks: Help with pruning, cleaning, and equipment care.
Requirements:
- Physical Fitness: Able to stand, bend, and lift for long hours.
- Valid Visa: working holiday or seasonal work visa is required.
- Basic English Skills: Must communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.
- Age 18 or Above: Most employers require adult applicants.
- Teamwork Ability: Must work well in groups and follow instructions.
Benefits of Job:
- Flexible Work for Travelers: Seasonal employment allows you to balance work with sightseeing.
- No Previous Experience Required: Accessible to everyone, including first-time workers abroad.
- Opportunity to Earn Good Money: Hourly pay or piece-rate pay rewards hard work.
- Experience Rural New Zealand: Enjoy New Zealand’s stunning landscapes while working.
- Meet People from Around the World: Build connections with an international workforce.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Valid passport with at least six months remaining.
- Meet health and character requirements (medical certificate, police clearance if necessary).
- Have a legitimate job offer from an orchard or authorized employer.
Read Also: Farm Work Job in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship
Types of Apple Picking Jobs in New Zealand (2026)
1. Fruit Picker
- National Average Salary: $23 per hour in New Zealand
- Primary Duties: Harvest apples and other fruits while maintaining quality.
- Experience: No prior experience required; suitable for seasonal and backpacker workers.
2. Orchard Assistant
- National Average Salary: $22–$24 per hour
- Primary Duties: Assist with pruning, tree maintenance, and general orchard care.
- Experience: Helpful but not essential; training often provided on-site.
3. Packing and Sorting Worker
- National Average Salary: $21–$23 per hour
- Primary Duties: Sort fruits by size, ripeness, and quality for packing.
- Experience: Previous sorting or farm experience is a plus but not mandatory.
4. Bin Loader
- National Average Salary: $22 per hour
- Primary Duties: Safely transport and handle bins of harvested fruit.
- Experience: Physical fitness and teamwork are more important than prior experience.
5. Seasonal Farm Worker
- National Average Salary: $23 per hour
- Primary Duties: Support multiple orchard tasks, from picking to maintenance.
- Experience: No experience needed; ideal for working holiday visa holders.
Visa Requirements
Basic Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible for any of the aforementioned visas, you typically need:
- a legitimate offer of employment from an orchard or company in New Zealand.
- a passport that is still valid (at least six months left).
- must fulfill standards for character and health, such as
- Medical certificate (if staying over 6 months)
- Police clearance
- Evidence of lodging and a return ticket (or the money to buy one)
- Work preparedness, which includes being physically capable of performing outdoor work
Employer Responsibilities (Visa Sponsorship)
For RSE or AEWV roles, the sponsoring employer must:
- Obtain valid Immigration New Zealand accreditation.
- Provide employment agreements, working conditions, and compensation that adhere to the law.
- Provide access to healthcare, transportation, and acceptable accommodations.
Documents Required for Visa Application
- Employment offer or agreement from an organization authorized by the RSE
- filled-out visa application (online or on paper)
- passport-sized pictures and a valid passport
- Evidence of lodging in New Zealand
- Medical records and a police certificate, if any
- Application fee payment
Apple Picking Salary in New Zealand
The average gross pay for a fruit picker in New Zealand is $48,151 a year, which is about $23 an hour.
Conclusion:
Apple-picking jobs in New Zealand are a one-of-a-kind chance to work abroad in the summer of 2026. These jobs are great for travelers and backpackers because they offer visa sponsorship, don’t require training, and let you see New Zealand’s beautiful countryside. To start your adventure in New Zealand, you need to apply through the right routes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are apple-picking jobs in New Zealand?
Apple-picking jobs involve harvesting apples from orchards, sorting them by quality, loading them into bins, and maintaining safety and equipment. These are seasonal roles ideal for travelers and backpackers.
What are the responsibilities of an apple picker in New Zealand?
Responsibilities include picking apples carefully, sorting them by size and quality, loading and transporting bins, maintaining safety standards, ensuring ripe selection, caring for equipment, and assisting with other orchard tasks.
