Apple & Grape Picking Jobs in New Zealand: Premium Fruit Harvest Opportunities 2026

New Zealand’s apple and wine grape industries employ over 30,000 seasonal workers annually, offering some of horticulture’s most lucrative harvest positions. Apple picking in Hawke’s Bay and Nelson, combined with grape harvest in Marlborough, creates sustained seasonal employment from January through May.

Apple Harvest: New Zealand’s Largest Fruit Export

Apples generate NZD $850+ million in annual exports, with Royal Gala, Braeburn, Jazz, and Envy varieties dominating production. Harvest season runs February to May, with wages ranging NZD $23-$35 hourly depending on experience and payment structure.

Hawke’s Bay: Apple Production Capital

Hawke’s Bay (Hastings, Havelock North regions) produces 60% of New Zealand’s apples. Over 10,000 seasonal workers employed during harvest peak (March-April).

Wages: NZD $23.15-$27 hourly for beginners, NZD $28-$35+ hourly for experienced pickers on piece-rate. Top pickers earn NZD $250-$350 daily.

Season Duration: 8-14 weeks depending on varieties and weather. Early varieties start mid-February, late varieties finish early May.

Nelson-Tasman Region: Premium Apple Growing

Nelson and Tasman districts produce 30% of New Zealand apples, specializing in premium varieties like Jazz and Envy commanding export premiums.

Wages: Similar to Hawke’s Bay (NZD $23-$32 hourly), though smaller operation scale means fewer total positions.

Advantages: Stunning scenery, proximity to Abel Tasman National Park, smaller community atmosphere.

Season: Typically 2-3 weeks later than Hawke’s Bay, allowing workers to combine regions for extended employment.

Piece-Rate Apple Picking Earnings

Experienced apple pickers on piece-rate earn substantially more than hourly:

Payment Structure: NZD $38-$48 per bin (approximately 350kg). Fast pickers harvest 6-10 bins daily.

Daily Earnings:

• Beginner (3-4 bins): NZD $115-$190
• Intermediate (5-7 bins): NZD $190-$335
• Expert (8-10 bins): NZD $300-$480

Seasonal Earnings: 12 weeks at average 6 bins daily = NZD $15,000-$20,000 gross.

Physical fitness, technique, and efficiency directly impact earnings. Most workers improve significantly after 2-3 weeks.

Apple Packing and Grading Work

Indoor packhouse positions offer alternative to picking:

Fruit Graders: Sort apples by size, quality, blemishes. NZD $23-$26 hourly, climate-controlled environment.

Packers: Pack export cartons following specifications. NZD $23-$27 hourly, some piece-rate options (NZD $0.80-$1.20 per carton).

Quality Controllers: Inspect packed fruit ensuring export standards. NZD $27-$32 hourly, requires experience.

Forklift Operators: Move bins and pallets. NZD $26-$30 hourly, requires forklift license.

Packhouses operate extended hours during peak (6:00 AM-10:00 PM shifts), offering overtime opportunities.

Grape Harvest: Marlborough Wine Region

Marlborough produces 75% of New Zealand wine, primarily Sauvignon Blanc. Harvest runs late March through May, employing 8,000+ seasonal workers.

Wages: NZD $23.15-$28 hourly for hand picking, NZD $25-$32 hourly for machine harvest operators.

Piece-Rate Options: Some vineyards pay per bin (NZD $30-$45), with earnings potential similar to apple picking for fast workers.

Types of Grape Harvesting Work

Hand Picking: Cut grape clusters using secateurs, fill buckets, transfer to bins. Traditional method for premium wines, requires care to avoid damaging fruit.

Machine Harvest Support: Assist machine harvesters by driving tractors, managing bins, quality checking. Higher wages (NZD $26-$32 hourly), easier physically than hand picking.

Vineyard Setup: Pre-harvest work includes bird netting removal, row preparation, equipment staging. Available January-February before main harvest.

Central Otago: Premium Pinot Noir Harvest

Central Otago (Queenstown, Wanaka, Cromwell regions) produces world-renowned Pinot Noir. Smaller harvest (2,000-3,000 workers) but stunning alpine location.

Wages: NZD $23.15-$30 hourly, similar piece-rate opportunities.

Season: Late March through April, typically 4-6 weeks.

Advantage: Combine grape harvest with ski season work (June-September) for extended Queenstown/Wanaka stay.

Combining Apple and Grape Seasons

Strategic workers maximize earnings by working multiple harvests:

January-February: Grape thinning (Marlborough) or cherry picking (Central Otago) February-March: Early apple varieties (Hawke’s Bay) Late March-May: Grape harvest (Marlborough) or late apples (Nelson)

This circuit provides 16-20 weeks continuous employment earning NZD $25,000-$40,000 depending on productivity.

Accommodation Options in Harvest Regions

Hawke’s Bay:

• Orchard-provided cabins/caravans: NZD $100-$150 weekly
• Backpacker hostels (Hastings): NZD $180-$250 weekly
• Shared rentals: NZD $150-$220 weekly per room

Marlborough:

• Vineyard accommodation: NZD $120-$180 weekly
• Blenheim hostels: NZD $200-$280 weekly
• Holiday parks: NZD $180-$300 weekly

Nelson:

• Packhouse accommodation: NZD $110-$160 weekly
• Nelson city hostels: NZD $220-$300 weekly

Budget NZD $600-$1,000 monthly for accommodation depending on choice and sharing arrangements.

Physical Demands of Fruit Picking

Apple Picking Requirements:

• Climbing ladders repeatedly (3-5 meters height)
• Reaching and stretching overhead
• Carrying full picking bags (15-20kg)
• Standing and walking on uneven ground
• Working outdoors in variable weather

Grape Picking Requirements:

• Bending and crouching (vines at waist-height or lower)
• Repetitive cutting and reaching motions
• Carrying full buckets (10-15kg)
• Working in heat (harvest during warmest period)

Both jobs physically demanding but manageable with reasonable fitness. Adaptation period 1-2 weeks as body adjusts.

Finding Apple and Grape Harvest Jobs

Pick NZ: Official horticulture job board with verified positions (picknz.co.nz).

Seasonal Work NZ: Government resource listing harvest jobs by region (seasonalwork.co.nz).

Direct Employer Contact: Major employers like Mr Apple, Bostock New Zealand, Apollo Apples (apples) and Constellation Brands, Yealands Estate (grapes) hire through websites.

Facebook Groups: “Hawke’s Bay Seasonal Work”, “Marlborough Grape Harvest Jobs” connect workers with employers.

Arrival Strategy: Arrive in region early January (apples) or late March (grapes), stay at hostel, apply to multiple employers simultaneously.

Working Holiday Visa Extension Through Harvest Work

3 months fruit picking or grape harvest work in specified regions (Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, Nelson) qualifies working holiday visa holders for 3-month visa extensions.

Workers must retain:

• Payslips showing employment dates
• Letter from employer confirming hours worked
• IRD records demonstrating income

Extension application requires this documentation, so maintain careful records.

Quality Standards and Performance Expectations

Apple Picking:

• No bruising or skin damage
• Correct maturity (fruit testing determines pick timing)
• Stems attached
• Clean fruit (no leaves/debris in bins)

Poor quality pickers reassigned or terminated. Training provided, but attention to detail essential.

Grape Picking:

• No leaf or stem material in bins
• Only ripe clusters harvested
• MOG (material other than grapes) under 2%
• Gentle handling preventing crushing

Premium wine production requires higher quality standards than bulk production.

Weather Impacts on Harvest Income

Rain stops outdoor picking. Depending on orchard/vineyard policy:

Paid Wait Time: Some employers pay minimum wage during brief weather delays (1-3 hours).

Unpaid Downtime: Extended rain events result in lost workdays with no compensation.

Make-Up Hours: Extended hours once weather clears to compensate for lost time.

Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough typically offer stable autumn weather, but budget for 10-15% income loss due to weather disruption.

Tax, IRD, and Financial Considerations

All harvest workers require IRD numbers before employment. Apply online before arrival or immediately upon reaching New Zealand.

Tax deducted via PAYE system:

• First $14,000: 10.5%
• $14,001-$48,000: 17.5%

Harvest workers earning NZD $20,000 over season pay approximately NZD $2,800 tax, netting $17,200.

File tax return after season completion. Most receive refunds (NZD $300-$800) if overtaxed.

Transportation in Harvest Regions

Personal Vehicle: Most flexible. Used cars from NZD $2,500-$6,000, resaleable after season.

Bicycle: Practical in Blenheim and smaller towns. Bicycles NZD $150-$400.

Employer Transport: Some orchards/vineyards provide van pickups from central locations.

Carpooling: Common among hostel/accommodation communities.

Rural orchard locations typically require transport. Budget accordingly.

Social Environment and Community

Harvest regions attract international workers creating vibrant communities:

Hawke’s Bay: Large backpacker population, organized social events, sports leagues, weekend trips to Napier/wine country.

Marlborough: Smaller but active community, Blenheim town provides amenities, weekend trips to Abel Tasman/Nelson.

Nelson: Outdoor adventure focus, proximity to national parks, arts and culture scene.

Orchard/vineyard work often team-based, fostering friendships. Shared accommodation creates social networks.

Skill Development and Repeat Employment

Returning seasonal workers receive:

• Priority hiring for subsequent seasons
• Higher starting wages (NZD $1-$3 hourly increase)
• Preferred positions (team leader, quality controller)
• First selection of accommodation

Building reputation with employer creates long-term seasonal employment option. Some workers return 3-5+ consecutive years, earning NZD $30,000-$45,000 per season.

Health and Safety Protocols

Orchards and vineyards comply with Health and Safety at Work Act:

Provided Equipment:

• Ladders (apples) – regular safety inspections
• Secateurs – training on proper use
• PPE (gloves, sun protection)

Safety Training:

• Ladder safety procedures
• Chemical safety (if working near spraying)
• Heat illness prevention
• Ergonomic techniques

ACC Coverage: All workers covered for workplace injuries through Accident Compensation Corporation.

Career Progression in Horticulture

Starting as picker, advancement opportunities include:

Team Leader: Supervise picking teams, NZD $27-$32 hourly Orchard Supervisor: Coordinate daily operations, NZD $50,000-$65,000 annually Packhouse Manager: Oversee packing operations, NZD $60,000-$80,000 annually Orchard Manager: Full property management, NZD $70,000-$95,000 annually

Progression requires multiple seasons demonstrating competency and initiative.

Long-Term Immigration Through Horticulture

Supervisory and management positions qualify for:

Accredited Employer Work Visa: 2-3 year work visas for skilled horticulture roles (supervisors, managers, technical positions).

Residence Pathways: After 2+ years skilled horticulture work, apply through Skilled Migrant Category or Straight to Residence pathways.

Entry-level picking doesn’t provide residency pathway, but progression to skilled roles does.

Earnings Comparison: Apple vs Grape Harvest

Apple Picking (12 weeks):

• Conservative: NZD $14,000-$18,000 gross
• Average: NZD $18,000-$24,000 gross
• High performer: NZD $24,000-$32,000 gross

Grape Harvest (6-8 weeks):

• Conservative: NZD $7,000-$10,000 gross
• Average: NZD $10,000-$14,000 gross
• High performer: NZD $14,000-$18,000 gross

Combined seasons provide NZD $25,000-$50,000 gross annually depending on productivity and commitment.

Equipment and Startup Costs

Required Items:

• Sturdy work boots: NZD $80-$150
• Sun protection: NZD $30-$50
• Work gloves: NZD $15-$30
• Waterproof jacket: NZD $60-$120
• Backpack/bag: NZD $30-$80

Optional:

• Secateurs (often provided): NZD $25-$50
• Knee pads for grape picking: NZD $20-$40

Total startup: NZD $200-$400

Employers provide picking bags, bins, and safety equipment.

Final Considerations for Harvest Work

Ideal Candidates:

• Physically fit individuals seeking high earnings
• Working holiday visa holders maximizing income
• Adventurous workers enjoying rural/outdoor lifestyle
• Those combining work with travel in beautiful regions

Less Suitable For:

• Those requiring regular hours/routine
• Individuals with significant physical limitations
• Workers preferring urban environments
• Those seeking year-round single-location employment

Apple and grape harvest work provides international workers exceptional earning potential, immersion in New Zealand’s world-renowned wine and fruit regions, opportunities for visa extensions, and foundation for extended seasonal employment circuits across the country’s diverse horticultural sectors.