Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand With Visa Sponsorship

If you’re an untrained foreigner seeking employment in New Zealand, fruit-picking occupations are a great option. We currently offer a tempting career opportunity: work picking fruit in New Zealand. This page offers comprehensive details on how to apply for fruit-picking jobs in New Zealand as well as the requirements to be hired for such positions. Furthermore, we will give you access to crucial websites designed especially for foreigners so you can apply for these highly sought-after employment openings.

Details of Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand With Visa Sponsorship

Key Points

• 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

Types of Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand:

. Apple Orchards

• Description: Picking different apple cultivars like Gala, Braeburn, Fuji, and Granny Smith.
• Season: February to May
• Regions: Hawke’s Bay, Nelson, Central Otago

2. Kiwifruit Farms

• Description: Picking green and gold kiwifruit varieties, sorting, and packing.
• Season: March to May
• Regions: Bay of Plenty (especially Te Puke), Northland

3. Cherry Orchards

• Description: Delicate cherry picking requiring careful handling.
• Season: November to January
• Regions: Central Otago (especially Cromwell and Alexandra)

4. Berry Picking

• Description: Picking strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
• Season: October to March (varies by berry type)
• Regions: Waikato, Canterbury, Bay of Plenty

5. Grape Vineyards

• Description: Hand-harvesting grapes for the winemaking industry.
• Season: February to April
• Regions: Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, Central Otago

6. Stone Fruit Orchards

• Description: Picking peaches, nectarines, apricots, and plums.
• Season: December to February
• Regions: Central Otago, Hawke’s Bay

7. Citrus Farms

• Description: Picking oranges, mandarins, and lemons.
• Season: May to October
• Regions: Gisborne, Northland

8. Avocado Plantations

• Description: Picking avocados, mainly for export and local consumption.
• Season: July to February
• Regions: Bay of Plenty, Northland

Requirements

The following conditions must be met in order to work as a fruit picker in New Zealand with a sponsored visa, especially for foreigners:

1. Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the day you plan to enter New Zealand.

2. Appropriate Visa Type

Foreigners typically apply under one of the following visa categories:

• inUsually, foreign nationals apply for one of the following types of visas:
• dividuals (often between the ages of 18 and 30 or 35, depending on their nation) can travel and work for up to 12 months with a working holiday visa.
• Rarely, an Essential Skills Work Visa may be granted if the company can prove that there are no available local workers.

Note: Visa sponsorship usually comes under the RSE Scheme, where approved employers sponsor seasonal workers.

3. Age Requirements

Typically, you must be 18 years or older. Some visa types (like Working Holiday) may have a maximum age limit (e.g., 30 or 35 years).

4. Medical and Health Requirements

• Must be in good health and may need to undergo a medical checkup or provide a chest X-ray.
• Full COVID-19 vaccination may be required depending on current regulations.

5. Police Clearance

A clean criminal record is required. You may be asked to provide a police clearance certificate from your home country.

6. Employment Offer from an RSE-Approved Employer

• You need a job offer from a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) in New Zealand.
• The employer must be accredited and authorized by Immigration New Zealand to hire foreign workers.

7. Willingness to Perform Physical Labor

Fruit picking is physically demanding, so applicants should be physically fit and prepared for long hours working outdoors.

8. Proof of Accommodation & Return Travel

• Proof of suitable accommodation arranged by the employer or self.
• Evidence of return ticket or funds to buy one.

Benefits 

Work-Life Balance
In New Zealand, seasonal or part-time fruit harvesting occupations frequently allow employees to spend their free time around the nation. The comparatively laid-back workplace promotes a good balance between work and play and helps lower stress.

Skill Enhancement
Workers frequently acquire useful skills, including time management, teamwork, physical endurance, attention to detail, and efficiency—skills that are transferable to other employment sectors—even when no advanced talents are needed.

Cultural Immersion
Foreigners can gain direct knowledge of Kiwi culture, learn the language, and gain an understanding of local customs by working with locals and other international workers. This improves their ability to communicate across cultural boundaries.

Outdoor Adventure
Fruit harvesting entails laboring in picturesque rural settings, such as vineyards and orchards. This provides a welcome change from professions that are indoors or in cities, allowing employees to take in the natural splendor of New Zealand every day.

Personal Growth
The experience of living and working abroad cultivates resilience, independence, and adaptability. As they overcome obstacles away from home, employees frequently develop a stronger sense of self and more confidence.

Memorable Experiences
Picking fruit is frequently said to be a special and fulfilling stage of life. These experiences—from meeting people from other countries to taking part in regional celebrations and touring some of New Zealand’s most famous sites—create lifelong memories and tales to be told.

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.

How to Apply

More Info

Conclusion

For foreigners looking for seasonal work with a sponsored visa, fruit harvesting jobs in New Zealand offer an amazing chance. These positions offer more than simply a salary—they offer an unforgettable experience with competitive pay, cross-cultural interactions, beautiful work settings, and skill-building opportunities. New Zealand’s booming agriculture sector offers a friendly entry point whether you’re searching for short-term foreign work or are planning a working holiday. Launch your application now to begin a fulfilling journey in one of the most stunning nations on earth.

Frequently Asked Questions