Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025 – Complete Guide for All Fruit Farm Jobs
Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025 are among the most popular seasonal and farm jobs for local and international workers. New Zealand’s strong agricultural industry, fair wages, and worker-friendly laws make fruit farm work an excellent opportunity for people seeking short-term employment, working holiday experiences, or farm work visas.
From apples and kiwifruit to cherries, grapes, berries, citrus, and stone fruit, New Zealand offers a wide variety of fruit picking and fruit farm jobs throughout the year. These roles are open to beginners, students, backpackers, and experienced farm workers alike.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything about Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025, including job types, salaries, seasons, visa options, work conditions, and how to apply.
Why Choose Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025?
Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025 continue to attract workers from around the world because of several key benefits:
- High demand for seasonal farm workers
- Competitive hourly wages
- No formal qualifications required
- Opportunities for foreigners and backpackers
- Beautiful rural locations
- Legal worker protections and fair pay
- Chance to extend visas through farm work
New Zealand’s fruit industry relies heavily on seasonal workers, making fruit picking one of the easiest jobs to secure in 2025.
Types of Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025
All Types of Fruit Farm Jobs in New Zealand
There are many Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025, not just picking. Farms require workers for harvesting, packing, pruning, and orchard maintenance.
Apple Picking Jobs
- Harvesting apples by hand
- Sorting and grading apples
- Working in orchards and packhouses
- Peak season: February – May
Kiwifruit Picking Jobs
- Picking kiwifruit from vines
- Packing and quality checking
- Popular in Bay of Plenty
- Peak season: March – June
Cherry Picking Jobs
- Hand-picking cherries carefully
- Short but high-paying season
- Fast-paced work
- Peak season: November – January
Grape Picking & Vineyard Jobs
- Harvesting grapes for wine production
- Pruning vines and vineyard maintenance
- Often includes accommodation
- Peak season: February – April
Berry Picking Jobs (Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries)
- Picking delicate fruits
- Sorting and packing berries
- Suitable for beginners
- Peak season: October – March
Citrus Picking Jobs
- Picking oranges, lemons, mandarins
- Orchard maintenance work
- Mostly in North Island
- Peak season: June – September
Stone Fruit Picking Jobs
- Peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots
- Seasonal harvesting work
- Central Otago region
- Peak season: December – February
Packhouse & General Fruit Farm Jobs
- Packing, labeling, and boxing fruit
- Cleaning and quality control
- Less physically demanding than picking
- Available year-round in some regions
Salary for Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025
Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025 offer competitive wages regulated by New Zealand employment laws.
Average Pay Rates
- Hourly wage: NZD $22 – $30 per hour
- Piece rate (per bin or kg): varies by fruit type
- Overtime pay may apply
- Public holiday pay available
Some experienced pickers earn NZD $1,000+ per week during peak harvest seasons.
Work Locations for Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025
Major fruit-growing regions include:
- Bay of Plenty (Kiwifruit)
- Hawke’s Bay (Apples, Stone Fruit)
- Central Otago (Cherries, Grapes)
- Marlborough (Vineyards)
- Nelson & Tasman (Apples, Berries)
- Auckland & Northland (Citrus)
Each region offers different fruit farm jobs depending on the season.
Requirements for Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025
Basic Requirements
- Age: 18 years or older
- Physical fitness for outdoor work
- Ability to work long hours
- Willingness to work in all weather
Skills & Experience
- No formal education required
- Training provided on the job
- Experience is helpful but not mandatory
Language
- Basic English communication preferred
- Not always mandatory for entry-level roles
Visa Options for Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025
Foreign workers can legally work in Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025 under several visa categories:
Working Holiday Visa
- Available for many countries
- Allows seasonal farm work
- Popular with backpackers
Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Visa
- Sponsored by approved employers
- Ideal for Pacific and Asian workers
- Includes accommodation and transport support
Accredited Employer Work Visa
- For long-term or skilled farm roles
- Employer sponsorship required
Working Conditions on Fruit Farms
- Outdoor work in orchards and fields
- 6–8 hours per day (more during peak season)
- Protective gear provided
- Health & safety regulations enforced
- Accommodation may be available
Benefits of Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025
- Quick hiring process
- Weekly or fortnightly pay
- Free or low-cost accommodation (some farms)
- Opportunity to travel New Zealand
- Friendly multicultural work environment
- Visa extension possibilities
How to Apply for Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Choose your preferred fruit job
- Check visa eligibility
- Prepare a simple CV
- Apply through farm websites or recruitment agencies
- Attend online or in-person interviews
- Receive job offer and start work
Tips to Get Hired Faster
- Apply early before harvest season
- Be flexible with location
- Accept different fruit farm roles
- Show willingness to work hard
- Have transport if possible
Are Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025 Worth It?
Yes! Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025 are an excellent option for anyone seeking legal work, decent pay, and a chance to experience New Zealand’s rural lifestyle. Whether you’re a student, traveler, or foreign worker, fruit farm jobs offer reliable income and valuable work experience.
Final Thoughts on Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025
With high demand, fair wages, and multiple visa pathways, Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand 2025 remain one of the best agricultural job opportunities worldwide. From apple orchards to vineyards and berry farms, there are all types of fruit farm jobs available throughout the year.
If you’re ready to work, earn, and explore New Zealand, now is the perfect time to apply for fruit picking jobs in 2025.
