Seasonal work and careers in New Zealand horticulture start right here
There is a great range of work opportunities on orchards and vineyards throughout New Zealand, and throughout the year.
Need extra help getting in to Seasonal Work?
Check out the New Zealand Seasonal Work Scheme
If you want to take up seasonal horticulture or viticulture work for a minimum of 6 weeks, for 30 hours or more, and need support, there may be help available through the New Zealand Seasonal Work Scheme. You don’t have to be on a benefit to qualify for the scheme. Before you start a seasonal job, talk with us to see if you’re eligible.
For more information check out New Zealand Seasonal Work Scheme – Work and Income or call us on 0800 779 009
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New Zealand has eight main horticulture regions. Their unique weather conditions mean different crops grow better in some regions than others.
For example, pipfruit (apples and pears) and grapes grow easily in Hawke’s Bay and Nelson, while stonefruit like cherries and apricots grow better in Central Otago. Bay of Plenty is the home of kiwifruit and avocados.
The wide range of regions and crops means there is work for both permanent and temporary workers for most months of the year.
SEASONAL JOB DEMAND
Find Seasonal Work across NZ
Looking for a new seasonal job in New Zealand’s fruit and vegetable industries? Find seasonal jobs across NZ on PickNZ’s Job Board. Check out the New Zealand Seasonal Work Scheme if you need support to take up seasonal hort work.
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These regions also feature many of New Zealand’s most impressive tourist attractions – and some of the world’s best adventure activities. What’s good for growing is also great for lifestyle – these regions are blessed with high sunshine hours, settled weather and warm temperatures!
Water, land or air – the adventures are here: hike the native rainforests in Northland; ski or snowboard in Central Otago till you’re sore; and drop your jaw at the spectacular thermal geysers, mud pools and hot springs of the Bay of Plenty.
Catch a game of rugby, the national sport in Waikato; feast your senses on the food and wine in the Wairarapa; kayak the emerald waters of Nelson’s white sand beaches; whale watch in Marlborough; or simply relax in sun-soaked Hawke’s Bay.
Each region has something special and memorable to offer, as you’ll find out when you click on each region on the regional map.
ABOUT PickNZ
PickNZ is a horticulture industry initiative, spearheaded by Horticulture New Zealand, to promote rewarding seasonal work in our thriving fruit and vegetable industries.
New Zealand has a diverse range of horticulture growing regions, each with its own unique weather conditions and climates. The diversity of the climate and soil conditions mean that different crops grow are better suited to certain regions. Use the map on the right hand sidebar to find out more about each of these regions.
For example, pipfruit (apples and pears) and grapes grow easily in Hawke’s Bay and Nelson, while stonefruit like cherries and apricots grow better in Central Otago. Bay of Plenty is the home of kiwifruit and avocados. The wide range of regions and crops means there is plenty of permanent and seasonal work throughout the year, with a peak in seasonal jobs to help with the harvest.
PickNZ is the perfect place to help you find out about the work opportunities that will allow you to experience New Zealand’s famous outdoor lifestyle in some of its most stunning spots. Right around the year, there are job vacancies and excellent careers ready and waiting for you on New Zealand’s beautiful orchards and vineyards. You can harvest, care for and quality check fruit, vegetables and wine grapes, or work inside to prepare them for sale.
No experience in horticulture? No problem! Training is provided on the job, and there are jobs for young, old, experienced and inexperienced people. All you need is your commitment and reliability – and to bring along your enthusiasm!
Are you a New Zealander looking to join the industry?You’re in the right place if you’re looking for information about opportunities in the horticulture industry wherever you may be in the country. Plus we’ve got all the information about changing careers in horticulture – a growth industry with a bright future and great opportunities.
Visiting New Zealand?New Zealand has seasonal work permits and visas for people from many countries.
Contact Us
Phone or email a PickNZ regional representative today to find out about jobs in their regions.
Look for more than a Seasonal Job?
Start a career in horticulture
Find out all that you need to know about starting a career in the horticulture industry at GoHorticulture, which has information on training, internship opportunities and permanent job listings.