Want to fund your New Zealand adventure while travelling? Seasonal jobs are a popular way for working holiday makers to earn money, meet people, and explore different parts of the country.
Here’s your guide to the best seasonal work, where to find it, and when to go.
🍇 Fruit Picking & Packhouse Jobs
Best Regions:
Hawke’s Bay: Apples, pears, summer fruits (Feb–Apr)
Bay of Plenty: Kiwifruit (Mar–May)
Marlborough: Grapes for wine harvest (Feb–Apr)
Central Otago: Cherries, stone fruits (Dec–Feb)
Pros:
No experience required
Great for outdoorsy types
Team-oriented
Tip: Packhouses often pay hourly, while picking is paid per bin or kg.
⛰️ Ski Field Work
Best Regions: Queenstown, Wanaka, Mt Ruapehu
Season: June to October
Jobs Available:
Lift operators
Rental shop assistants
Café and hospitality
Ski instructors (certification needed)
Perk: Free ski passes often included for staff!
🏪 Hospitality & Tourism
Best Locations:
Queenstown
Rotorua
Auckland (city-based hospitality)
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier (tourist towns)
Season: Year-round, but busier in summer (Dec–Mar)
Roles:
Waitstaff, baristas, bartenders
Hotel cleaners, receptionists
Activity guides (rafting, zipline, etc.)
🛏️ Vineyard & Winery Jobs
Region: Marlborough, Central Otago, Waipara
Season: Feb to Apr (harvest), May to Jun (pruning)
Roles:
Grape picking
Cellar hand
Vineyard maintenance
Bonus: Wine regions are beautiful and often have great backpacker communities.
🚀 Tips for Finding Seasonal Work
Websites to Use: BackpackerBoard.co.nz, SeasonalJobs.co.nz, Seek, TradeMe
Facebook Groups: "Backpackers Jobs NZ", local community pages
Walk-in: Especially effective for hospitality or packhouses
Tip: Always check if accommodation is provided or nearby. Some remote farms include housing.
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