Dreaming of a new life surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and a rewarding career? Imagine yourself working under the clear blue skies of New Zealand, harvesting world-famous cherries, and being part of a team that feels like family.
Hortinvest Management Ltd is turning that dream into a reality. We are offering a life-changing opportunity for passionate individuals to join us as permanent horticultural workers in the heart of Central Otago.
This isn’t just a job; it’s a gateway to a future in New Zealand. With a competitive starting salary of $18 NZD per hour (with potential for more based on experience), full visa sponsorship, and comprehensive training that includes earning a formal Certificate of Horticulture, we invest in your growth.
Whether you’re seeking a dramatic career change or a stable, long-term path in agriculture, no prior experience is necessary—just a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn.
Details of Agricultural Worker Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship
Key Points
| Job Country | New Zealand |
| Industry | Agriculture |
| Job Type | Orchard Trainee/Agricultural Worker |
| Minimum Experience Required | No |
| Education Required | No |
| Any Age Limit | No |
| Visa | Sponsorship |
| Relocation | Yes |
| Accommodation | Yes |
| Employment Term | Full-Time and Permanent |
| Expected Salary | 18 NZD per hour. Commensurate with experience |
Requirements of Agricultural Worker Jobs in New Zealand
This role values character and attitude as much as experience. The ideal candidate is someone who:
- Has a positive, can-do attitude and takes pride in their work.
- Is eager to learn about horticulture and agricultural practices.
- Is honest, reliable, and hardworking.
- Enjoys working outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Is physically fit and capable of manual labor.
- Holds a current New Zealand driver’s license and has their own transport (highly advantageous).
- Has the ability to work well in a team.
No prior experience? No problem! Full apprenticeship opportunities and on-the-job training are provided, including support to earn a Certificate of Horticulture through Primary ITO.
Read Also: Seasonal Fruit Pickers Jobs in New Zealand For Foreigners
Key Job Duties & Responsibilities
As a vital part of the orchard team, your work will be hands-on and varied throughout the seasons. Your responsibilities will include:
- Orchard Maintenance: Weeding, rock picking, hoeing, raking old leaves, loosening soil, leveling earth, and repairing fences.
- Harvesting: Carefully picking cherries and other stone fruit from the trees.
- Post-Harvest Handling: Sorting fruit to remove damaged pieces, packing fruit into cartons, labeling, and weighing packages for dispatch.
- Tree Care: Manually cultivating and pruning cherry trees to ensure healthy growth.
- Using Equipment: Being trained to safely use various types of horticultural machinery.
Please Note: This is a physical role. You must be able to climb and move ladders throughout the orchard and carry a picking bucket. The work involves exposure to typical outdoor elements like sun, light rain, and varying temperatures.
Benefits & Why You Should Apply
This role offers more than just a job; it offers a pathway to a new future.
- Visa Sponsorship: Successful applicants will receive support to obtain a legal work visa for New Zealand.
- Comprehensive Training: Gain formal qualifications with on-the-job training towards a Certificate of Horticulture.
- Career Progression: A clear path for advancement to roles like Orchard Foreman and beyond for dedicated workers.
- Accommodation: Assistance with finding accommodation is often provided.
- Great Work Environment: Join a supportive, motivated team managed by experienced professionals who prioritize health and safety.
- Stable Long-Term Role: This is a genuine career opportunity in a critical and exciting industry.
- Live in New Zealand: Experience the work-life balance and stunning natural beauty of rural New Zealand.
Visa Requirements
New Zealand has a strong demand for seasonal and permanent agricultural workers, including fruit pickers, farmhands, livestock workers, and dairy assistants. Foreigners can apply, but you must meet the work visa requirements under the country’s employer-sponsored system.
1. Valid Job Offer
- You must first secure a job from a New Zealand employer approved by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
- The employer must be accredited to sponsor foreign workers.
2. Suitable Visa Pathways
The most common visa options for agricultural workers are
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV):
For full-time roles where the employer is accredited. Valid for up to 3 years. - Seasonal Work Visa (Recognized Seasonal Employer Scheme – RSE):
For short-term farm jobs like fruit picking or vineyard work (up to 7 months). - Working Holiday Visa (for eligible countries):
Allows young workers (usually 18–30 years old) to work in agriculture for up to 12 months.
3. General Eligibility Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
- Meet health requirements (medical check & chest X-ray if staying longer than 6 months).
- Meet character requirements (police clearance certificate).
- Show proof of relevant work experience or skills (for full-time AEWV roles).
- Provide proof of sufficient funds for living expenses (especially for seasonal or holiday visas).
4. Required Documents
- Signed employment contract from a New Zealand employer.
- Valid passport.
- Medical and police clearance certificates.
- Evidence of skills/experience in farming (for skilled or longer-term visas).
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
5. Employer’s Role
- Apply for job check approval with Immigration New Zealand.
- Provide you with an official job offer and sponsorship.
- Cover certain obligations such as safe working conditions, fair wages, and, in some cases, accommodation.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is open to hardworking individuals from around the world who are seeking a long-term career destination. Citizens from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe are strongly encouraged to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, applicants from:
- Asia: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh
- The Caribbean: Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada
- Africa: Sudan, South Africa, Kenya
- Latin America: Mexico, Brazil, Argentina
Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme Jobs
The RSE scheme is a government initiative that allows New Zealand employers in the horticulture and viticulture sectors to hire overseas seasonal workers with visa sponsorship.
- Enables foreign workers to stay for up to 7 months during peak seasons
- Priority given to workers from Pacific Island nations but open to others via recognized recruitment agents
- Provides employment rights, health insurance, and support during your stay
New Zealand Work Visa for Agricultural Workers
Visa Options for Farm Workers Include:
- Essential Skills Work Visa—for longer-term skilled roles
- Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Work Visa—for seasonal horticulture and viticulture jobs
- Working Holiday Visa—for eligible countries allowing seasonal farm work alongside travel
Visa Sponsorship Process:
- Employers sponsor your visa after offering a job
- Medical and character checks are mandatory
- A visa grants the right to work legally and often includes family sponsorship options for longer stays
Why Work on Farms in New Zealand?
- Competitive pay with overtime and bonuses during peak seasons
- Safe, well-regulated working conditions
- Opportunity to explore New Zealand’s natural beauty during off-hours
- Pathway to longer-term work or residency for some visa holders
How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare Your Application
- Prepare a simple CV or resume that highlights your personal attributes, reliability, and any previous work experience (even outside of agriculture).
- Write a brief cover letter explaining why you are interested in horticulture and working in New Zealand.
Step 2: Search for Opportunities
- Look for roles with keywords such as
- “Orchard jobs New Zealand visa sponsorship”
- “Horticulture jobs NZ for foreigners”
- “Agricultural worker visa sponsorship New Zealand”
- Use New Zealand job boards like Seek.co.nz, TradeMe Jobs, and the official New Zealand Now website.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Follow the application instructions provided in the job advertisement carefully.
- Ensure you submit all required documents and information.
Conclusion
A job with Hortinvest Management Ltd is more than just employment—it’s an invitation to build a meaningful career and a new life in New Zealand. With the security of visa sponsorship, a competitive salary, and unparalleled support for your professional development, this role offers a solid foundation for your future.
You don’t need a background in agriculture; you just need determination and a spirit ready for adventure. If you are ready to trade the ordinary for the extraordinary, to work hard in one of the world’s most beautiful regions, and to become part of New Zealand’s premier horticulture team, then this is your chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need no experience to apply?
Absolutely! We are looking for character and a strong work ethic above all else. A positive, can-do attitude and a willingness to learn are essential. Full on-the-job training is provided, and we will support you in earning a Certificate of Horticulture.
What type of visa will I get? Is it permanent?
For this permanent, full-time role, successful applicants will typically be sponsored for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), which is valid for up to 3 years. This is a long-term pathway and can be a step towards residency for dedicated workers.
