Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship 2026

If you’re an untrained foreigner seeking employment in New Zealand, fruit-picking jobs are an excellent opportunity to earn and explore. These positions offer seasonal work across the country’s orchards and farms, providing flexible hours and hands-on experience in a vibrant outdoor environment.

Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship, With average pay ranging from NZD 20 to NZD 27 per hour, fruit picking is one of the most accessible and rewarding jobs for international workers. This page provides a complete overview of how to apply for fruit-picking jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship, the key requirements to qualify, and official job portals where foreigners can find legitimate openings.

Details of Fruit Picking Job in New Zealand:

• Country: New Zealand
• Who can apply: International Applicants
• Sponsorship Visa: Yes
• Relocation: Yes
• Visa Support: Yes
• Package: Varies in All Jobs
• Salary: 20 NZD Per hour

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Types of Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand:

New Zealand’s fruit-picking industry offers seasonal job opportunities across various orchards and farms. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

1. Apple Orchards

• National Average Salary: NZD 20–25 per hour.
• Primary Duties: Harvest and sort different apple varieties, pack produce for export, and maintain orchard quality standards. Work may include ladder use and lifting crates.
• Experience: No experience required; on-site training provided.

2. Kiwifruit Farms

• National Average Salary: NZD 21–26 per hour.
• Primary Duties: Pick, prune, and pack kiwifruit while maintaining fruit quality. Assist in seasonal orchard care and sorting operations.
• Experience: Entry-level roles; prior farm experience is helpful but not mandatory.

3. Cherry Orchards

• National Average Salary: NZD 22–28 per hour.
• Primary Duties: Hand-pick ripe cherries, sort for quality, and pack for export in a fast-paced environment during the summer harvest.
• Experience: No prior experience required; physical stamina preferred.

4. Berry Picking

• National Average Salary: NZD 20–24 per hour.
• Primary Duties: Harvest strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries by hand, perform quality checks, and package produce efficiently.
• Experience: Beginner-friendly; training provided on-site

5. Grape Vineyards

• National Average Salary: NZD 21–27 per hour.
• Primary Duties: Pick grapes for winemaking, remove damaged fruit, and assist with sorting and vineyard maintenance.
• Experience: Basic farm or harvest experience preferred but not essential.

6. Stone Fruit Orchards

• National Average Salary: NZD 20–25 per hour.
• Primary Duties: Harvest ripe fruit, check for quality, and pack produce for local and export markets during peak summer months.
• Experience: No formal experience needed; employers provide full guidance.

7. Citrus Farms

• National Average Salary: NZD 21–26 per hour.
• Primary Duties: Harvest oranges, lemons, and mandarins; clean and sort produce; prepare fruits for packaging and shipment.
• Experience: Prior farm work is an advantage but not required.

8. Avocado Plantations

• National Average Salary: NZD 22–27 per hour.
• Primary Duties: Pick, sort, and pack avocados for export, ensuring fruit meets quality standards; assist with tree maintenance.
• Experience: No experience necessary; training offered by employers.

Read Also: Apple Picking Jobs in New Zealand With Visa Sponsorship

Requirements:

The following conditions must be fulfilled by foreign workers in order to be eligible for fruit harvesting jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship:

1. Work Visa Eligibility

• Apply for a Seasonal Work Visa through the RSE Scheme, which recognizes seasonal employers.
• A working holiday visa may be sponsored by some employers (for qualified nations).

2. Age Requirement

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

• 3. Job Offer from an Employer

• Obtain a job offer from an authorized RSE employer in New Zealand.
• A contract detailing the specifics of the job must be provided by the employer.

4. Physical Fitness

• Picking fruit involves standing, lifting, and spending a lot of time outside.
• must be capable of performing manual labour and be physically fit.

5. Language Skills

• Communication with coworkers and superiors is facilitated by having a basic understanding of English.

6. Clean Criminal Record

• It can be necessary to have a police clearance certificate.

7. Health Check

• To make sure they are suitable for employment, applicants might need to get a medical examination.

8. Seasonal Work Period

• Work is seasonal; the majority of positions are open from February to April (grapes), November to January (cherries), and March to May (kiwifruit).

9. Proof of Accommodation

• While some companies require employees to find their own lodging, others offer accommodations on-site.

Benefits of Jobs:

• Guaranteed seasonal job opportunities: New Zealand’s fruit picking jobs are steady and reliable during peak harvest times, giving both local and foreign workers looking for short-term or temporary work a steady source of income.
• A way to get a work permit and a visa: Many orchards and farms in New Zealand help international workers get work permits and visas by sponsoring programs. This makes it easier for people to legally live and work in the country while getting important work experience abroad.
• Chance to See New Zealand’s Beautiful Landscapes: People who pick fruit often work in New Zealand’s most scenic areas, like Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty, and Central Otago. Every day, workers can enjoy the fresh air, beautiful scenery, and living outside.
• Experience with cultural exchange and global networking: People from all over the world apply for these jobs, which creates a lively international space where workers can meet new people, learn new languages, and make lasting connections with people around the world.
• Physical Fitness and Living an Outdoor Lifestyle: Picking fruit outside is a great way to live an active, healthy life. It improves your stamina, endurance, and general health, and it’s a nice change from sitting at an office all day.
• A Way to Get a Long-Term Job and Advance Your Career: Picking fruit during the harvest season can lead to stable jobs in agriculture, farm management, or other fields in New Zealand. This makes it a great way to start a long-term career abroad.

Average Salary:

In New Zealand, fruit-picking jobs typically pay between NZD 19 and NZD 25 per hour. However, experience and productivity may have an impact on actual earnings.

Job Entry Sites for Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand:

1. www.picknz.co.nz
2. www.seasonaljobs.co.nz
3. www.chamberemployment.co.nz
4. www.workandincome.govt.nz

Conclusion:

For foreigners looking for seasonal work with a sponsored visa, fruit-picking positions in New Zealand are a great chance. These positions offer skill development, exposure to different cultures, and competitive pay in an exciting outdoor setting. Apply via the suggested job sites if you fit the requirements, and begin your path to employment in New Zealand right now!

Frequently Asked Questions: