Finding a farm job in New Zealand is easier than you might think. You don’t need a fancy resume or years of experience. What you do need is energy, a good attitude, and the willingness to work hard for about eight hours a day. Farms want people who show up and get the job done, not people who complain or act lazy. Read on and I will show you how to get farm job in New Zealand and relocate with your family.
You know, life in Africa can be tough. One day, you’re squeezing into a crowded bus, arguing over change. The next, you’re begging your landlord not to raise the rent. It’s stressful, and sometimes you just want to escape. What if you could leave all that behind and start fresh somewhere else?
Imagine moving to New Zealand to pick apples on a farm. Yes, it sounds wild, but it’s real work, and it pays! This guide will walk you through how to make it happen, step by step, so you can relocate with your family for good.
Step 1: Get Your Visa Sorted
Before you can pack your bags, you need a visa to enter New Zealand. Think of it like getting a pass to a big event—you can’t just show up without it. The first thing to do is apply for a New Zealand visitor visa. This part can feel like a hustle, like trying to navigate a busy market, but don’t give up. You can find all the details on the official website: immigration.govt.nz. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully—don’t skip anything, or you’ll waste time.
Once you’re in New Zealand, you’ll need to switch to a Seasonal Work Visa. This visa lets you work legally on farms, picking fruits like apples, pears, or grapes. With this visa, you can earn real money—New Zealand dollars, not just promises. Forget sneaking around or hoping for luck. Check the rules, fill out the forms, and get it done. If you’re serious, you’ll make it happen.
Step 2: Pick the Right Farm
Not every farm in New Zealand is the same. Some will work you hard but pay you poorly, like you’re doing a favor instead of a job. You don’t want that. To make good money, you need to know where to go. Here are the best places to find farm jobs that pay well:
- Hawke’s Bay: This area is famous for apples and pears. The picking season runs from February to May. It’s busy, and the pay is solid.
- Bay of Plenty: If you want to pick kiwifruit, this is the spot. Work starts in March and goes until June.
- Marlborough: Love wine? This place grows grapes for New Zealand’s famous wines. The season is February to April. Just don’t get distracted sipping samples!
- Central Otago: Cherries are the star here, and the season is short—December to February. It’s intense, but the money is good.
- Canterbury: This area has farm jobs all year round, so it’s great if you want steady work.
To find these jobs, check out the Seasonal Work Map on live-work.immigration.govt.nz. It’s like a treasure map for farm work. The jobs in these areas are secure, and the pay is better than what you’d get in many other places. Don’t waste time on farms that don’t value your effort—go where the real opportunities are.
Step 3: Time It Right
Farm work in New Zealand isn’t year-round for every crop. It’s like a football season—there’s a time to play and a time to wait. If you show up at the wrong time, you might find empty fields and no jobs. To avoid that, plan your trip around the picking seasons. Here’s a quick guide:
- Kiwifruit: March to June
- Apples and Pears: February to May
- Grapes: February to April
- Cherries: December to February
You can find a full calendar on live-work.immigration.govt.nz. Timing is everything, like knowing when to buy fresh bread before the price goes up. If you arrive when the season is starting, you’ll have a better chance of getting hired. Don’t wait until the last minute, or you’ll miss out.
Step 4: Find a Job
Finding a farm job in New Zealand is easier than you might think. You don’t need a fancy resume or years of experience. What you do need is energy, a good attitude, and the willingness to work hard for about eight hours a day. Farms want people who show up and get the job done, not people who complain or act lazy.
There are a few ways to find work fast. First, check these websites: PickNZ, NZ Farm Source, or Backpacker Board. These sites list farm jobs and make it easy to apply. There are thousands of jobs to choose from. Show up with confidence like you mean business, when they invite you for interview. Don’t be shy—farmers respect people who are ready to work.
Apply early because these jobs are popular. People from all over the world want them because they pay very well, so you need to move fast. If you wait too long or act too picky, you’ll miss your chance. Be ready to start working as soon as you get there—no delays.
Step 5: Make Money and Plan Ahead
After a few months of picking fruit, your bank account will start looking good. New Zealand dollars add up fast, and you won’t have to deal with “insufficient funds” messages anymore. Farm work pays better than many jobs back home, and you can save a lot if you’re smart. Here’s what you can do with your money:
- Save for the future: Put some cash aside for big plans, like starting a business or buying something you’ve always wanted.
- Stay longer: If you love New Zealand, you can keep working and maybe even move up to a better job, like a farm supervisor.
- Build back home: Use your savings to start a project, like a house or a small shop, so you have something to show for your hard work.
The key is to stay focused. Don’t spend everything you earn on small things. Think about how this money can change your life in the long run.
A Few Tips to Succeed
New Zealand is a great place, but it’s not a free ride. If you act like farm work is beneath you, you’ll struggle. Be humble, work hard, and stay positive. The same energy you use to hustle in Africa will help you thrive here. Picking apples today could lead to bigger opportunities tomorrow—maybe even running your own farm one day.
Also, don’t go alone. Connect with other people who’ve done this. Ask questions, share ideas, and learn from their experiences. You can find groups online or meet people when you arrive. Having a community makes everything easier.
Why This Matters
Moving to New Zealand to pick apples isn’t just about escaping stress—it’s about building a better future. You’ll work hard, but you’ll also see the world, meet new people, and earn money that can change your life. It’s a chance to start fresh and prove what you’re capable of.
So, what are you waiting for? Share this guide with your friends, start planning, and take the first step toward your New Zealand adventure. Life is too short to stay stuck. Get out there, pick some apples, and make things happen!