Kiwi Picker Jobs in New Zealand: Every autumn, the green hills of New Zealand‘s Bay of Plenty turn into a hive of activity. From March to June, thousands of workers descend on the region to harvest one of the country‘s most beloved fruits—the kiwifruit. Known as the “kiwifruit capital of the world,” Te Puke and the surrounding Bay of Plenty region produce millions of trays of green and gold kiwifruit each year, destined for tables across the globe . For international workers, kiwi picking offers a unique opportunity: outdoor work, competitive pay, a vibrant social scene, and—for Pacific Island workers—a structured visa pathway through the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.
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Table of Contents
Kiwi Picker Jobs in New Zealand
This comprehensive guide covers everything: what kiwi picking involves, pay rates (often $25–$35 per hour or piece rates), the harvest season (March to June), how to find jobs, visa options for different nationalities, and exactly how to land a kiwi picking job with a legal work permit.
What Are Kiwi Picker Jobs in New Zealand?
A kiwifruit picker is responsible for hand-harvesting ripe green and gold kiwifruit from vines. Unlike fruit picking from trees, kiwi picking involves working under dense canopies, often reaching above shoulder height for extended periods while carefully handling delicate fruit to avoid bruising.
Other common titles in New Zealand:
Kiwifruit Orchard Worker
Fruit Picker (Kiwifruit)
Harvest Worker
Seasonal Horticulture Worker
What you are NOT: A packhouse worker (grading and packing fruit indoors), a pruner (winter work), or a orchard supervisor. Kiwi picking is entry-level outdoor work focused specifically on harvesting.
The golden rule of kiwifruit picking: Gentle hands, full bins. Kiwifruit bruise easily. Handle each fruit with care, but work efficiently to meet daily targets.
Core Duties: What Kiwi Pickers Actually Do
Kiwifruit picking is physical, repetitive work that requires stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Primary Responsibilities:
| Task | Frequency | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Picking fruit | Daily | Carefully removing ripe kiwifruit from vines, ensuring stems are cut properly to avoid damage |
| Handling with care | Throughout shift | Placing fruit gently into harvesting bags to prevent bruising |
| Quality control | Throughout shift | Selecting only ripe fruit that meets quality standards; avoiding damaged or under-ripe fruit |
| Emptying bags into bins | Daily | Transporting filled bags to collection bins and emptying them for transport to packhouses |
| Working efficiently | Throughout shift | Meeting daily picking targets while maintaining quality standards |
| Maintaining safety | Throughout shift | Working safely in orchard conditions, wearing appropriate footwear (gumboots recommended) |
A Typical Day in Kiwi Picking:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM | Arrive at orchard, team briefing, collect picking bags |
| 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Morning picking session |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch break |
| 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Afternoon picking session |
| 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Clean up, end of shift |
Note: Hours are weather dependent . Kiwifruit cannot be picked in rain, as wet fruit is more prone to damage and disease.
Why New Zealand Needs Kiwi Pickers (Market Demand)
New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry is massive. With over 2,800 growers across eight regions, the peak harvest season (March to June) requires approximately 22,000 staff on orchards and in packhouses . The Bay of Plenty—particularly Te Puke—is the epicentre of this industry, earning its title as the “kiwifruit capital of the world” .
Current Job Market (May–June 2026):
Active job postings show strong demand:
| Position | Location | Pay Rate | Hours | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kiwifruit Picker | Whanganui | $25.50/hour + 8% holiday pay | 40h/week | |
| Orchard Worker | Te Puke | Group contract rate | 30h/week | |
| Kiwifruit Picker | Katikati/Waihi | $23–$30/hour | 30–45h/week | |
| Harvest Worker | Tauranga | $35/hour | Full-time | |
| Orchard Worker | Bay of Plenty | TBD | 8–10h/day |
The result: Kiwi picking jobs are abundant during harvest season. Employers are actively seeking workers with physical fitness, reliability, and the ability to work outdoors.
Pay Rates for Kiwi Pickers in New Zealand (2026)
Kiwi pickers are typically paid either hourly or on piece rates (per bin). Piece rates reward speed and efficiency, allowing fast pickers to earn significantly more than the minimum wage.
Hourly Rates:
| Role | Hourly Rate (NZD) | Weekly Gross (40h) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level picker | $23.15 – $25.00 | $926 – $1,000 | Minimum wage range |
| Experienced picker | $25.00 – $30.00 | $1,000 – $1,200 | With experience |
| High-demand harvest | $30.00 – $35.00 | $1,200 – $1,400 | Peak season |
| Supervisor | $28.00 – $35.00 | $1,120 – $1,400 | Management role |
Piece Rates:
| Pay Structure | Typical Earnings | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per bin (standard) | $20–$40 per bin | Faster pickers earn more |
| Group contract | Variable | Team-based payment |
Annual Kiwifruit Industry Wage Facts :
Minimum wage for all workers: NZD 23.15 per hour
Returning workers in their third or later season: 10% above minimum wage (NZD 25.47 per hour)
Additional Benefits (Common):
| Benefit | Typical Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday pay | 8% of earnings | Legally required |
| Flexible hours | 30–50 hours/week | Weather dependent |
| Training provided | Free | No experience needed |
| Social environment | Team events | BBQs, gatherings |
Realistic Weekly Earnings Example:
| Scenario | Hourly Rate | Hours/Week | Gross Weekly | Net Weekly (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level picker | $25.00 | 40 | $1,000 | $850 |
| Experienced picker | $30.00 | 45 | $1,350 | $1,100 |
| Fast piece-rate picker | Equivalent to $35+ | 45 | $1,500+ | $1,200+ |
The Kiwifruit Harvest Season
Seasonal Calendar (Bay of Plenty):
| Season | Months | Work Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main harvest | March – June | Picking | Peak season for pickers |
| Pruning | Winter (June–August) | Pruning | More technical, requires training |
| Spring maintenance | September – November | Thinning, pollination | Less work available |
| Summer maintenance | December – February | Weed control, maintenance | Limited positions |
Where the Jobs Are:
| Region | Key Towns | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bay of Plenty | Te Puke, Katikati, Tauranga, Waihi | Largest concentration of jobs |
| Manawatū-Whanganui | Whanganui | Smaller harvest |
| Other regions | Various | Smaller orchards |
Te Puke is the undisputed kiwifruit capital, offering thousands of seasonal positions each year .
Visa Options for Kiwi Pickers (Critical Section)
This is the #1 question for international applicants. New Zealand has several pathways for seasonal workers.
For Working Holiday Visa Holders – Best for Backpackers
New Zealand has Working Holiday Scheme (WHS) agreements with over 40 countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, and many others.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12–23 months (varies by country) |
| Work rights | Full-time work allowed |
| Eligibility | Age 18–30 (35 for some countries) |
| Pathway | Perfect for kiwi picking (March–June harvest) |
How it works: Apply for the Working Holiday Visa from your home country. Once approved, travel to New Zealand, find a kiwi picking job, and start working. No employer sponsorship required.
Why this is excellent for kiwi picking: The harvest season (March–June) aligns perfectly with WHV durations. Many backpackers spend their New Zealand WHV working in Te Puke during autumn.
For Pacific Island Citizens – RSE Scheme (Structured Pathway)
The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme is New Zealand’s primary pathway for seasonal agricultural workers from Pacific nations .
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 7 months (9 months for Tuvalu and Kiribati) |
| Eligible countries | Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu |
| Visa cost | NZD 325 |
| Processing time | Usually within 2 weeks |
| Work rights | Full-time seasonal work |
| Accommodation | Employer must provide suitable housing |
| Pastoral care | Employer must provide welfare support |
How the RSE scheme works :
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Employer must be approved as an RSE employer by Immigration NZ |
| 2 | Employer applies for an Agreement to Recruit (ATR) |
| 3 | Employer recruits workers (directly or through approved agents) |
| 4 | Worker applies for RSE Limited Visa (form INZ 1142) |
| 5 | Submit application with passport, employment agreement, medical and police certificates |
| 6 | Pay NZD 325 fee |
| 7 | Upon approval, travel to NZ and start work |
Cap for 2024–2025 season: 20,750 seasonal workers
Minimum wage for RSE workers :
New RSE workers: at least NZD 23.15 per hour
Returning workers in their third or later season: NZD 25.47 per hour (10% above minimum)
Employer obligations under RSE scheme :
Must provide suitable accommodation meeting minimum standards
Must provide pastoral care and welfare support
Must pay minimum remuneration for 30 hours/week regardless of work availability
Must pay half the return airfare (except workers from Tuvalu and Kiribati)
Why the RSE scheme is a win-win :
As one grower explains, the RSE programme bolsters the workforce during the extremely tight harvest and packing window, ensuring the entire crop can be picked and packed at peak ripeness. The scheme is beneficial for home countries as well, putting money into local economies and giving workers the chance to earn and learn new skills that they take home .
Requirements for Kiwi Picker Jobs (What You Need)
Essential (Non-Negotiable):
| Requirement | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Valid work permit | Working Holiday Visa, RSE Limited Visa, or NZ work rights | |
| Physical fitness | Able to work on your feet all day, carry up to 20kg | |
| Outdoor tolerance | Work in varying weather conditions (rain stops work, but heat and wind don‘t) | |
| Reliable transport | Own vehicle to travel to orchard locations | |
| Driver‘s licence | Minimum restricted licence required (full preferred) | |
| Drug-free | Random drug testing; zero tolerance policy | |
| Accommodation secured | Must live within daily travel distance | |
| IRD number | New Zealand tax number (free to obtain) | |
| NZ bank account | For salary payments |
Highly Desirable (Increases Your Chances):
| Requirement | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Previous orchard experience | Employers prefer experienced pickers |
| Height of 165–190cm | Ideal for reaching fruit under canopies |
| Team player attitude | Picking often done in teams |
| Flexibility with hours | Work available 6–7 days/week weather permitting |
| Own accommodation in Bay of Plenty | Employers prefer local workers |
What You Do NOT Need:
❌ No formal qualifications
❌ No previous experience (training provided)
❌ No English test (for RSE visa)
❌ No university degree
How to Find Kiwi Picker Jobs with Work Permits (Actionable Steps)
Step 1: Determine Your Visa Pathway
| Your Nationality | Recommended Pathway |
|---|---|
| UK, USA, Canada, Germany, Japan, South Korea, etc. | Working Holiday Visa |
| Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, etc. | RSE Scheme (via employer or government) |
| Australia | Special Category Visa (SCV) – work rights included |
| Other countries | Check if you have any visa pathway; options are limited |
Step 2: For Working Holiday Makers – Plan Your Timing
| Season | What to Do |
|---|---|
| December – January | Arrive in New Zealand, get IRD number, open bank account |
| February | Start applying for kiwi picking jobs, secure accommodation in Te Puke or Tauranga |
| March – June | Work harvest season, earn $1,000–$1,500+ per week |
| June onwards | Pruning work available (winter) or travel New Zealand |
Pro tip: The harvest season runs from March to June. Arrive in New Zealand by February to secure accommodation and job offers before the season starts.
Step 3: Find Job Opportunities
Top platforms for kiwi picking jobs:
NZKGI (New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc.) – Official industry body
Kimi Mahi Mai (Find a Job) – Government job platform
Seek NZ (seek.co.nz)
Trade Me Jobs (trademe.co.nz)
Jora NZ (nz.jora.com) — currently shows 100+ fruit picker jobs
Search terms to use:
“Kiwifruit picker”
“Orchard worker”
“Harvest worker”
“Kiwifruit Te Puke”
Target locations:
Te Puke (kiwifruit capital)
Katikati
Tauranga
Waihi
Step 4: For Pacific Island Citizens – RSE Scheme
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check if your country is on the eligible list |
| 2 | Contact your country‘s labour sending unit or approved recruitment agents |
| 3 | Register for the RSE scheme |
| 4 | Wait for assignment to an approved RSE employer in New Zealand |
| 5 | Complete visa application (INZ 1142) |
| 6 | Travel to New Zealand when your season starts |
Note: The RSE scheme is employer-driven. You cannot apply independently—you must be recruited through approved channels .
Step 5: Prepare Your Application
CV tips for kiwi picking jobs:
Highlight physical fitness and stamina
Emphasise any outdoor or labouring experience
Include driver’s licence details
State your visa status clearly
Note that you have secured accommodation in the Bay of Plenty (employers prefer this)
Example job listing requirements :
Must live locally in Katikati/Waihi areas (MAX 30 mins drive) OR have accommodation secured there
Must be physically fit, reliable, able to carry up to 20kg
Must have reliable transport
Must have minimum restricted driver‘s licence
Criminal convictions considered case-by-case (no serious charges)
Step 6: Apply and Follow Up
Apply online through the job portal
Phone the contact number if provided (many listings include phone numbers)
Be prepared for immediate start (some positions are urgent)
Living as a Kiwi Picker: What to Expect
A Typical Day (Harvest Season):
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | Wake up, prepare lunch |
| 7:00 AM | Arrive at orchard, team briefing |
| 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Morning picking session |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch break (pack your own) |
| 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Afternoon picking session |
| 5:00 PM | End of shift, clean up |
| 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Dinner, socialise with other workers |
| 9:00 PM | Sleep (early start tomorrow) |
Physical Demands:
| Factor | Reality |
|---|---|
| Work under vines | Working with arms above shoulder height for long periods |
| On your feet | Entire shift (8–10 hours) |
| Lifting | Carrying up to 20kg |
| Weather | Working outdoors in varying conditions (rain stops work) |
| Repetitive motion | Picking thousands of fruit per day |
| Clothing | Closed footwear mandatory (gumboots recommended) |
Accommodation:
| Aspect | Typical |
|---|---|
| Cost | Varies (not typically provided) |
| Type | Shared house, backpacker hostel, or campervan |
| Location | Te Puke, Tauranga, Katikati, Waihi |
| Booking | Secure before season starts (February) |
Pros and Cons of Kiwi Picking:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent pay ($25–$35/hour potential) | Physically demanding (arms above shoulders, standing all day) |
| No experience needed (training provided) | Weather dependent (no work when raining) |
| Outdoor work (fresh air, exercise) | Early starts (7:00 AM or earlier) |
| Social environment (team BBQs, events) | Short season (March–June only) |
| Great for WHV holders (perfect timing) | Seasonal only — not year-round work |
| Piece rates reward speed (earn more) | Competition for jobs (arrive early for best spots) |
| Beautiful location (Bay of Plenty) | Accommodation can be scarce (book ahead) |
Legal Traps for Kiwi Picker Applicants (Critical)
Red Flags (Walk away immediately):
| Red Flag | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| “Pay us $500 for a job” | Illegal. Legitimate employers never charge for job placement. |
| “We will sponsor you without a job offer” | Impossible. A concrete job offer is mandatory for any work visa. |
| “No contract – we pay cash” | Illegal. No legal protections, no proof of employment, no holiday pay. |
| “No need for a visa” | Untrue. You must have legal work rights. |
| “We guarantee high earnings” | Be cautious — piece rate earnings depend on your speed. |
Your Legal Rights as a Kiwi Picker in New Zealand:
| Right | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage | NZD 23.15 per hour (2026) — piece rates must be at least equivalent |
| Holiday pay | 8% of earnings or 4 weeks paid annual leave |
| Public holidays | Time and a half + day in lieu if worked |
| Sick leave | 10 days after 6 months |
| Employment agreement | Must be in writing |
| Safe workplace | Employers must provide health and safety training |
| ACC coverage | Accident compensation covers all workers regardless of visa status |
RSE Scheme Worker Protections :
| Protection | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum guaranteed hours | Employer must pay minimum remuneration for 30 hours/week regardless of work availability |
| Accommodation standards | Employer must provide suitable housing |
| Pastoral care | Employer must provide welfare support |
| Return airfare | Employer pays half (except Tuvalu and Kiribati) |
What to Do If You Are Exploited:
Employment New Zealand: Labour inspectorate handles wage theft
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB): Free advice for workers
Community Law Centres: Free legal advice
Your embassy
How to Start Today (Checklist)
If you are a Working Holiday Maker:
Apply for Working Holiday Visa from your home country (processing 1–4 weeks)
Once approved, book flight to New Zealand (aim to arrive by February)
Apply for IRD number online (free)
Open a New Zealand bank account
Book accommodation in Te Puke, Tauranga, or Katikati (do this early — places fill up)
Secure reliable transport (buy a cheap car or campervan)
Apply for kiwi picking jobs via NZKGI, Kimi Mahi Mai, or Jora NZ
Start work in March — harvest season!
Save money, enjoy the Bay of Plenty, travel after season ends
If you are a Pacific Island citizen (RSE scheme):
Check if your country is on the eligible list
Contact your country’s labour sending unit or approved recruitment agents
Register for the RSE scheme
Once assigned to an employer, complete visa application (INZ 1142)
Pay NZD 325 fee
Complete medical and police checks
Travel to New Zealand, start work
Save money, send remittances home, return after season
If you are already in New Zealand on a WHV:
Ensure your visa has at least 3–6 months validity
Get IRD number if not already
Drive to Te Puke or Tauranga immediately
Walk into orchards and ask for work (old school method works)
Apply online while you search
Start work within 1–2 days
Final Verdict: Is Kiwi Picking in New Zealand Worth It?
Yes – for physically fit individuals with valid work permits seeking short-term, high-intensity seasonal work in one of the world‘s most beautiful regions.
If you are:
A Working Holiday Maker from the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, Japan, South Korea, etc.
A Pacific Island citizen from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, etc. (via RSE scheme)
Someone who is physically fit, loves the outdoors, and doesn‘t mind repetitive work
Looking for a short-term (3–4 months) harvest experience
Wanting to save $1,000–$1,500+ per week (with piece rates)
Comfortable with early starts, weather dependency, and shared accommodation
…then kiwi picking is one of the best seasonal jobs in New Zealand.
If you are:
Someone with no valid work permit (Working Holiday Visa or RSE are your only options)
Looking for year-round work (kiwi picking is seasonal, March–June only)
Someone who cannot work with arms above shoulder height for long periods
Seeking visa sponsorship (RSE is only for Pacific Island nationals; others need WHV)
…then kiwi picking may not be for you.
One final truth: Kiwi picking will test you. You will work with your arms above your shoulders for hours. You will wake up early, drive to orchards, and pick thousands of fruit each day. Some days it will be hot. Some days your arms will ache. But you will also work alongside an international team, earn excellent money, and live in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions. The kiwifruit capital is waiting. Your harvest adventure starts now. Kia kaha! (Stay strong!)
Disclaimer
This job information is shared for educational and informational purposes only. Any discussion of visa categories is based on general immigration laws and publicly available information.
