All nationalities can apply, and there is no difference between men and women. Citrus fruits such as oranges are harvested in New Zealand for eight months a year: September, October, November, December, January, February, March, and April. This means that your work is only seasonal on paper: in reality, you have to work all year round.
In the larger regions of New Zealand, such as Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury, you can find work all year round in agricultural areas. April-September is the harvest season in these areas. However, if your farm (let’s say a wheat farm or a citrus fruit farm) is outside the harvest season, you can go to New Zealand in late September or at the end of the harvest season. This is because from October to the end of summer, there is cherry season there! So, as soon as the harvest ends in one area, another crop starts growing somewhere else. Thus, New Zealand has never been short of fruit-picking jobs!
The rich and fertile land of New Zealand had all kinds of fruits, you name it—apples, oranges, cherries, avocados, zucchini, sweet potatoes… the list goes on. So there are hundreds of farms available to offer you jobs. You don’t need any experience or any special qualifications and in return get many amazing benefits. Let’s learn more details about citrus picking jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship.
Looking for a simple yet rewarding way to start working abroad? Citrus picking jobs in New Zealand might be your chance. These jobs welcome applicants from all nationalities, men and women alike, with no prior experience or qualifications needed.
With salaries starting at NZD $21.6/hour plus overtime and benefits like free visa sponsorship, airfare, and medical insurance, fruit picking is one of the most accessible opportunities for foreigners. What makes it even better? Work is available nearly year-round, thanks to New Zealand’s diverse farming seasons. From oranges and mandarins to lemons and limes, there’s always demand for workers across Auckland, Canterbury, Wellington, Gisborne, and Bay of Plenty.
Details of Citrus Picking Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship
Key Points
- Job title: Citrus Packer.
- Job Region: New Zealand.
- No. of hirings: 25 F/M
- Knowledge required:Not specified
- Minimum Experience: Not needed
- Free visa: Yes
- Free ticket: Yes
- Free medical insurance: Yes
- Free food: No
- Free Accommodation: Depends upon the employer
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Maximum age: Not specified
- Expected salary: NZD $21.6 per hour plus overtime
Requirements for Citrus Picking jobs
Citrus picking is one of the easiest entry-level jobs in New Zealand’s agricultural sector. The requirements are simple and accessible:
- No Minimum Qualification –Open to everyone, from high school graduates to degree holders.
- No Prior Experience Needed—Training is usually provided on the job.
- Supporting Documents – CV, job sponsor letter, police clearance certificate, etc.
- Valid Visa – Eligible visas include:
- Work Visa
- Seasonal Worker Visa
- Working Holiday Visa
- International Student Visa
- Open to All Nationalities—Anyone meeting visa requirements can apply.
Jobs Benefits of Citrus Picking
These roles come with multiple benefits, making them attractive for foreigners seeking seasonal or entry-level work:
- Free Visa Sponsorship—Employers assist with visa arrangements.
- Free Air Ticket – Provided by some employers.
- No Experience Required—Beginners are welcome.
- No Educational Restrictions—Open to candidates with any background.
- Year-Round Work Availability—Opportunities exist across different regions of New Zealand.
- Accommodation & Meals – Some employers provide free housing and subsidized meal programs.
- Healthcare Coverage—Free medical insurance and health checkups are included in some contracts.
- 500+ Vacancies—Multiple openings available across citrus farms.
Visa Requirements
1. Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme
The RSE scheme is the primary way for employers to bring in overseas workers for seasonal work like citrus picking. This is a sponsored visa, meaning a New Zealand employer must offer you a job and be approved to hire you under the RSE scheme.
Key Requirements:
- Job Offer: You must have a job offer from a “recognized seasonal employer.” These are specific companies approved by Immigration New Zealand to hire seasonal workers from abroad.
- Citizenship: The RSE scheme is generally limited to citizens of eligible Pacific nations. In exceptional cases, employers may get approval from Immigration New Zealand to recruit workers from other countries, but this is uncommon.
- Age: You must be 18 years or older.
- Medical and Character: You must be in good health and of good character. This may require you to provide medical certificates, chest X-rays, and police certificates from your home country.
- Length of Stay: The visa typically allows you to stay in New Zealand for a maximum of seven months in any 11-month period. For citizens of Kiribati and Tuvalu, the maximum stay is nine months.
Process:
- The employer handles the visa application process and an “Agreement to Recruit” on your behalf.
- The employer is responsible for providing pastoral care, suitable accommodation, and covering half of your return airfare.
- You are only permitted to work for the employer specified on your visa.
2. Working Holiday Visa Scheme
If you are not from an eligible Pacific nation, the most common way to get a seasonal job like citrus picking is through a Working Holiday Visa. This visa allows young people to travel and work in New Zealand for a set period. Citrus picking and other horticultural work are common jobs for those on this visa.
Key Requirements:
- Citizenship: You must be a citizen of one of the countries that have a Working Holiday Visa agreement with New Zealand. This list includes over 40 countries, but not all.
- Age: You must typically be between 18 and 30 years old (or up to 35 for a few countries).
- Funds: You must have enough money to support yourself during your stay and to purchase a return ticket.
- Purpose: The main purpose of your visit must be a holiday, with work being secondary to help fund your travels.
- Health and Character: You must meet the health and character requirements.
Process:
- You apply for the visa yourself. The application is typically done online.
- Once your visa is approved, you can travel to New Zealand and look for work. You are not tied to a single employer, though there may be restrictions on how long you can work for one employer.
- Once in New Zealand, you will need to get a bank account and an IRD (Inland Revenue Department) number to work legally and pay taxes
Average Salary
Depending on the employer, fruit pickers are paid in two ways: on an hourly basis or according to the number of fruits they pick. They are also paid according to their experience, location, hours of duty, employer requirements, pay scale, etc. According to the standard wage rate for casual farm work, the minimum wage for a citrus picker in New Zealand is NZD $21.6 per hour. However, if your company is paying you according to the total number of citrus fruits you pick, you will be paid more for working hard.
Citrus Harvest Seasons in New Zealand
- Mandarins: March–June (Northland & Gisborne)
- Oranges: May–August (Gisborne & Bay of Plenty)
- Lemons & Limes: Year-round (varies by region)
Peak hiring seasons are from March to August, depending on the region and weather conditions.
How to Apply for Citrus Picking Jobs in New Zealand
- Prepare your resume tailored for fruit picking or farm labor.
- Apply through RSE-accredited employers or licensed recruitment agencies.
- Ensure your passport and health records are in order.
- Some employers help process RSE visas or AEWV sponsorships.
- Submit job applications early—months before harvest season begins.
Conclusion
Citrus picking jobs in New Zealand are one of the easiest and most rewarding ways for foreigners to work abroad. With free visa sponsorship, airfare, medical insurance, and salaries starting at NZD $21.6/hour, these jobs are perfect for beginners looking for adventure and financial stability.
Whether you apply under the RSE scheme or a Working Holiday Visa, opportunities abound year-round thanks to New Zealand’s diverse crop seasons. If you’re ready to take the plunge, now is the time to apply and begin your journey to a new life in New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need qualifications to apply?
No, citrus picking jobs are entry-level—no degree or special skills needed.
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How much can I earn?
The minimum wage is NZD $21.6/hour, with higher earnings possible through overtime or per-fruit payment.
