Imagine funding your travels through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand while working in its lush, fresh-air orchards. For the 2026 season, the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme opens its doors to international workers, offering fruit-picking roles with a competitive wage of NZD $22.70 to $29.60 per hour, free accommodation and meals, and full visa sponsorship. This is your chance to earn, explore, and experience the Kiwi way of life.
Fruit picking is one of the easiest ways to gain overseas work experience, earn a competitive wage, and enjoy New Zealand’s scenic countryside. This guide covers everything you need to know about RSE fruit-picking jobs, including eligibility, salary, responsibilities, and the application process.
Read Also: Citrus Picking Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship
What Is the RSE Visa?
The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Visa allows approved New Zealand employers to hire overseas workers for short-term agricultural jobs. These include fruit and vegetable picking, pruning, and packing.
- Annual Allocation: About 20,000 RSE visas are issued yearly.
- Main Regions: Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty, Nelson, Marlborough, and Otago.
- Benefits: Free or subsidized accommodation, meals, paid airfare (in some contracts), quick visa processing (≈9 days), and potential for visa extension if sponsored again.
Pro Tip: In our experience, workers in Hawke’s Bay often find extra seasonal income by picking apples and kiwifruit, which are in high demand during peak months.
Seasonal Fruit Picker Job Overview
| Job Title | Seasonal Fruit Picker / Seasonal Worker |
|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Industry | Agriculture / Horticulture / Viticulture |
| Visa Type | RSE Limited Visa |
| Salary | NZD 22.70 – 29.60 per hour |
| Experience Required | None |
| Education Required | None |
| Free Accommodation | Yes |
| Free Food | Yes |
| Visa Sponsorship | Yes |
| Employment Duration | 6–9 months (seasonal) |
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility for seasonal fruit-picking jobs in New Zealand is straightforward:
- Age: 18 years or older
- Physical fitness: Able to work long hours outdoors
- Language: Basic English communication skills (no formal test required)
- Health: Must have valid medical insurance for the stay
- Documents: Prepare a New Zealand-style CV and cover letter
- Employer: Must have a job offer from a Recognised RSE Employer
No formal education or prior experience is required, though past farm or warehouse work can be an advantage.
Benefits of Seasonal Fruit Picking Jobs
- Free Accommodation and Meals Usually provided near the worksite in shared cabins or hostels.
- Competitive hourly wages: NZD 22.70 to 29.60 per hour.
- Flexible Payment Weekly payouts and overtime pay during peak harvest.
- Visa Sponsorship Employers handle the RSE visa application.
- Work in multiple regions and find opportunities to harvest apples, kiwifruit, cherries, peaches, and more.
- Scenic Outdoor Work Environment: Work in New Zealand’s beautiful countryside.
Local Mention: In Hawke’s Bay, workers can enjoy scenic orchards near Napier and Hastings, adding a unique lifestyle experience to your seasonal work.
Typical Responsibilities
As a seasonal fruit picker, your duties include
- Picking fruits such as kiwi, apples, cherries, peaches, feijoa, and persimmons.
- Sorting and discarding damaged or overripe produce.
- Packing, weighing, labeling, and preparing fruit cartons for transport.
- Loading harvested fruits onto trucks and trailers safely.
- Performing orchard maintenance: weeding, pruning, rock picking, and soil preparation.
- Setting up and cleaning bins before and after harvest.
- Handling ladders and lifting loads up to 25–30 kg safely.
- Occasionally driving tractors or utility vehicles for produce transport.
This work can be physically demanding but offers excellent pay and often takes place in beautiful outdoor locations.
Average Salary and Payment Structure
| Payment Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Hourly | NZD 22.70 – 29.60 per hour |
| Piece Rate | NZD 0.60 – 1.00 per kg of fruit picked |
| Weekly Income | Approx. NZD 900 – 1,200 (with overtime) |
These rates are competitive for seasonal work and allow international workers to save and earn quickly.
How to Apply for Seasonal Fruit Picker Jobs in New Zealand
- Find a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Check official platforms such as Work the Seasons NZ or Jobs.govt.nz.
- Submit Your Application Prepare a CV and cover letter highlighting physical fitness, teamwork, and reliability.
- Receive Job Offer Once hired, your employer sponsors your RSE visa.
- Apply for RSE Visa Online Use the Immigration New Zealand website to submit your visa application with your job offer attached.
- Travel and work processing usually takes about 9 working days, after which you can book flights and start your seasonal job.
Conclusion
Seasonal Fruit Picker roles under New Zealand’s RSE scheme for 2026 provide a unique, well-structured opportunity for international workers to gain legal employment and cultural experience in one of the world’s most beautiful countries. The combination of guaranteed hourly wages, comprehensive living benefits, and a straightforward visa process removes major barriers, making it an ideal choice for those seeking short-term work abroad. For eligible candidates looking to combine travel with earning potential, applying for these positions is a practical and highly rewarding step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for RSE fruit-picking jobs?
A: Anyone aged 18–65 from any nationality who meets physical, health, and English requirements.
What fruits are most commonly harvested?
Kiwifruit, apples, cherries, peaches, feijoa, persimmons, and grapes.
How long can I stay in New Zealand on an RSE visa?
Usually up to 7 months in a 12-month period, with potential extensions depending on employer demand.
What does the RSE Visa cost?
The standard application fee is NZD 35, and most employers handle sponsorship
