Seasonal Orchard Worker (Harvesting) 2026/2027

About the role

Our cherry export season begins in early December and goes through until late January / early February, weather permitting.

Pickers use a 2.7 metre ladder to harvest the cherries - you are climbing up and down the ladder throughout the day and carrying the ladder between blocks.  You are provided with a picking harness which holds your 5kg bucket hands-free, whilst you pick.

No experience is required as we will teach you efficient picking techniques and the best way to pick cherries to improve your productivity and to prevent damage to the fruit.

Payment, Hours and Accommodation:

• Payment is performance-based. You will be paid per kg of fruit you pick - the more you pick, the more you are paid. Rates can vary with variety, growing system, rain damage and the type of picking required (for example, bunch picking, colour picking or singulation). Motivated pickers can earn well in excess of the minimum wage.

• We pay an End of Season Bonus to eligible cherry pickers who work until the end of our cherry export season.

• Work generally starts at 6.00am and daily hours are generally 7-9 hours although work can be interrupted by weather and crop maturity.

• We guarantee a minimum of 32 hours of work per week.

• We offer fixed term agreements.

• We have a range of accommodation available on the orchard.

• Great team environment.

Job Requirements

• You enjoy working outside. 


• You have a good level of fitness.


• You enjoy working as part of a team. 


• You are self-motivated.


• You have a positive can-do attitude.


• You are reliable and punctual.

It’s a great way to learn a new skill, earn money and meet a great bunch of people.

If you like the sound of this role and would like to join a great team for the upcoming cherry summer season then click “Apply now”.

We do require a CV as part of the recruitment process. Please make sure your CV is up to date and in English. We don't need anything formal or fancy - We only need your previous work experience, where it was, duties you performed and the time frames of the position. If you have performed any work in NZ - please include all details about the employment in your CV.