Finding seasonal work
Seasonal jobs are available all year, in places like orchards, farms, forests, or tourist hotspots.
Doing a seasonal job can help you:
- learn new skills and get work experience
- earn good money, sometimes more than $700 a week
- be active and fit
- meet new people
- gain confidence.
Seasonal jobs can last from a few weeks up to 6 months. You may be offered a permanent job, or you can use your new skills and experience for a similar job.
How much it pays
Employers rely on seasonal workers and will pay good money for a good worker.
For example, if you worked 30 hours a week picking fruit or vegetables you could earn around $700 before tax a week, or more. Exactly how much depends on the employer and the job.
Some jobs are paid by the hour and others by a contract rate, e.g. if you’re picking apples you might get a set amount for each bin you fill.
Finding seasonal work
Pick NZ specialises in seasonal jobs:
Where to work and when
The work changes with the seasons, so the type of jobs needed and available change too.
You can use this table to see what type of work is available, and when, so you can plan ahead.
|
Type of work |
When |
Where |
|---|---|---|
|
Fruit and vegetables
|
All year round |
All of New Zealand |
|
Vineyards |
Usually available all year |
|
|
Forestry |
All year round, particularly autumn |
|
|
Dairy |
Almost year round |
|
|
Freezing works and meat processing |
October to May, and July to August |
|
|
Lambing and sheep shearing |
August to May |
|
|
Fisheries and seafood |
June to September |
|
|
Ski-related work on ski fields and in local towns |
June to September |
|
|
Tourism - everything from waiting tables to being a tour guide |
November to February |
Resort and tourist towns, e.g. Taupō, Rotorua, Queenstown, Te Anau and Paihia. |
Find out where and when fruit and vegetable work is available
When you start work
You may be able to get help from us for costs like accommodation, gear and clothing for when you start work, and regular bills like travel and childcare.
Can’t work because of bad weather
If bad weather means you can't do your horticulture or viticulture job, and you stopped getting a benefit to do this job, we may be able to help. Seasonal Work Assistance is a payment that helps you pay for costs while you're not working.
When you stop work
We can help you find a new job quickly, and make sure you have everything you need to start your new job.