If you’re looking for seasonal work abroad with free accommodation, meals, and visa sponsorship, Seasonal Fruit Picker Jobs in New Zealand 2026 could be your perfect opportunity. These roles are open to foreign workers under New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Visa program — a government-approved scheme that brings thousands of international employees into the country’s booming horticulture and viticulture sectors each year.
Fruit picking is one of the easiest ways to gain overseas work experience, earn well, and enjoy New Zealand’s scenic countryside. Below, you’ll find all the essential details about the job, visa requirements, salary, and how to apply.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Seasonal Fruit Picker / Seasonal Worker
- Country: New Zealand
- Industry: Agriculture / Horticulture / Viticulture
- Visa Type: Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa
- Salary: NZD 22.70 – 29.60 per hour
- Experience Required: No
- Education Required: None
- Free Accommodation: Yes
- Free Food: Yes
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Average Processing Time: About 9 days
- Employment Duration: Seasonal (usually 6 – 9 months)
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 such as fruit and vegetable picking, pruning, and packing.
Every year, the New Zealand government allocates around 20,000 RSE visas. The program is designed to support the country’s labor-intensive harvest seasons, mainly in regions like Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty, Nelson, Marlborough, and Otago.
This visa offers excellent benefits such as:
- Free or subsidized accommodation and meals
- Paid airfare (in some contracts)
- Opportunity for visa extension if the employer sponsors you again
- Short and straightforward approval process — often under two weeks
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a Seasonal Fruit Picker position under the RSE Visa, you must meet these basic conditions:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have basic English communication skills (no formal test required)
- Be physically fit and able to work long hours outdoors
- Hold medical insurance valid for your stay in New Zealand
- Present a New Zealand-style CV and cover letter
- Obtain a job offer from a recognised RSE employer
No formal education or previous experience is necessary, though previous farm or warehouse work is always an advantage.
Benefits of Seasonal Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand
- Free Food and Accommodation (near the worksite; often shared vans or cabins)
- Attractive hourly wages from NZD 22 to 29 per hour
- Weekly payouts for many employers
- Paid overtime during peak season
- Flexible contracts for students or holiday workers
- Visa sponsorship and renewal options
- Work across multiple regions and fruit types year-round
- Friendly immigration policies for foreign seasonal workers
Typical Responsibilities
As a Seasonal Fruit Picker, your tasks will include:
- Picking fruits (such as kiwi, apples, cherries, peaches, feijoa, and persimmon) from orchards and fields
- Sorting and discarding damaged or over-ripe produce
- Packing, weighing, and labeling cartons for transport
- Loading harvested fruits onto trucks and trailers
- Performing orchard maintenance (weeding, pruning, rock picking, soil preparation)
- Placing bins in the orchard before harvest and cleaning them afterwards
- Safely using ladders and handling loads of up to 25–30 kg
- In some roles, driving tractors or utility vehicles to transport produce
This work can be physically demanding but is well paid and often set in beautiful outdoor locations.
Average Salary and Payment Structure
Your earnings as a fruit picker depend on the crop type, region, and how your employer pays you — either hourly or by the weight of produce harvested.
- Hourly Rate: NZD 22.70 – 29.60 per hour
- Piece Rate: NZD 0.60 – 1.00 per kg of fruit picked
- Weekly Income: Approximately NZD 900 – 1,200 with overtime
These figures align with New Zealand’s standard seasonal work wages and offer excellent earning potential for foreign workers.
Related: Crop and Livestock Farm Labourer Jobs in Canada 2026 for Foreigners
Common Questions About Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand
Q: Who can apply?
Anyone aged 18–65 from any nationality is eligible if they meet health and work requirements.
Q: What does the RSE Visa cost?
The application fee is approximately NZD 35.
Q: Which fruits are most commonly harvested?
Kiwi fruit, breeze apples, cherries, persimmons, feijoas, peaches, and grapes.
Q: 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 based on employer demand.
How to Apply for Seasonal Fruit Picker Jobs in New Zealand 2026
- Find a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE):
Search on official platforms such as Work the Seasons NZ or Jobs.govt.nz. - Apply Directly:
Submit your CV and cover letter highlighting physical fitness and teamwork skills. - Receive a Job Offer:
Once you’re hired, the employer will sponsor your visa application. - Apply for the RSE Visa Online:
Go to the official Immigration New Zealand website, create an account, and submit your RSE Visa application with the job offer attached. - Get Approved and Travel:
Processing takes around 9 working days. Once approved, you can book your flight and start your seasonal job in New Zealand.
Final Thoughts
Seasonal Fruit Picker Jobs in New Zealand 2026 with Free Food and Accommodation offer a rare combination of fair pay, simple visa processing, and a chance to work in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Whether you want to earn money for a few months or gain international experience in agriculture, this program is an ideal fit for students, holiday workers, and unskilled laborers alike.
If you meet the basic requirements and are ready for a rewarding outdoor job, apply today and start your journey towards a season of work and adventure in New Zealand.