Have you ever dreamed of working on a farm surrounded by New Zealand’s stunning landscapes? Imagine waking up to rolling green hills, milking cows, or picking fresh apples while earning a competitive wage. In 2025, New Zealand offers exciting farm jobs with visa sponsorship, opening doors for international workers like you.
This article covers the top farm jobs in New Zealand that provide visa sponsorship, details on how to secure these opportunities, and practical tips to start your journey. You’ll find actionable insights, specific job roles, salary expectations, and visa requirements to help you land your dream job.
Why Choose Farm Jobs in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s agriculture sector drives its economy, creating high demand for skilled and unskilled workers. Dairy, sheep, beef, horticulture, and viticulture industries need labor, especially during seasonal peaks.
Why should you consider these jobs?
- Competitive wages: Earn NZD 20-35 per hour, depending on the role and experience.
- Visa sponsorship: Many employers cover visa costs, simplifying your move.
- Career growth: Gain skills in modern farming techniques and animal care.
- Lifestyle perks: Live in scenic rural areas, often with free or subsidized housing.
Ready to explore the top farm jobs waiting for you in 2025?
Top Farm Jobs in New Zealand for 2025
Here are the most in-demand farm jobs offering visa sponsorship. Each role includes key responsibilities, salary ranges, and visa eligibility details.
1. Dairy Farm Worker
Dairy farming dominates New Zealand’s agricultural exports. Workers milk cows, manage livestock, clean barns, and operate machinery. No formal qualifications are needed, but experience with animals helps.
- Salary: NZD 20-30 per hour or NZD 50,000-70,000 annually for full-time roles.
- Visa Options: Essential Skills Work Visa or Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
- Example: Fonterra, a leading dairy cooperative, hires international workers for roles at sites like Bridge Street in Taranaki, where you can work with award-winning cheeses.
- Tip: Highlight any farm experience on your resume to stand out.
Have you worked with animals before? Dairy farms value hands-on skills.
2. Fruit Picker (Horticulture)
Horticulture jobs, like apple or kiwifruit picking, thrive in regions like Hawke’s Bay and Bay of Plenty. These seasonal roles suit physically fit workers willing to work long hours during harvest.
- Salary: NZD 20-25 per hour, often with piece-rate bonuses.
- Visa Options: Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Visa for up to 9 months.
- Example: New Zealand Cherry Corp in Cromwell hires orchard assistants for cherry harvests, offering competitive wages and potential for ongoing work.
- Tip: Apply early, as seasonal roles fill quickly.
Curious about working under the sun, surrounded by fruit trees?
3. Sheep and Beef Farm Assistant
Sheep and beef farms need assistants for shearing, fencing, and livestock care. These roles suit those comfortable with physical labor and outdoor work.
- Salary: NZD 22-30 per hour.
- Visa Options: Essential Skills Work Visa or AEWV.
- Example: A farm near Kumara hires assistants to manage 520 cows and 40 Hereford steers, offering a two-bedroom cottage and transport.
- Tip: Learn basic fencing or tractor skills to boost your application.
Do you enjoy hands-on tasks like fixing fences or herding livestock?
4. Calf Rearer
Calf rearing involves feeding and caring for young calves during calving season (July-October). This role requires patience and attention to detail.
- Salary: NZD 20-28 per hour.
- Visa Options: RSE Visa or Working Holiday Visa.
- Example: A 450-cow farm near Masterton hires calf rearers to work under contract milkers, providing training and support.
- Tip: Mention any experience with young animals to increase your chances.
Would you love nurturing newborn calves on a bustling farm?
5. Farm Machinery Operator
Operators drive tractors, harvesters, and other heavy machinery. Experience with equipment or a driver’s license is often required.
- Salary: NZD 25-35 per hour.
- Visa Options: AEWV or Specific Purpose Work Visa.
- Example: Farms harvesting Kumara (NZ sweet potato) need drivers for their 2025 season, offering well-paid contracts.
- Tip: Get certified in machinery operation to improve your prospects.
Ever imagined driving a tractor across New Zealand’s fields?
Visa Sponsorship: How It Works
New Zealand offers several visas for farm workers. Employers often sponsor these, covering application costs. Here’s what you need to know:
- Essential Skills Work Visa: For roles where no local workers are available. Requires a job offer.
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): For skilled positions, offering pathways to residency.
- Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Visa: For seasonal horticulture or viticulture roles, valid up to 9 months.
- Working Holiday Visa: For young adults (18-30) from eligible countries, allowing flexible farm work.
Most jobs require basic English, physical fitness, and a valid work visa. Some employers, like those in dairy, may sponsor family visas, letting you bring loved ones.
How do you feel about moving to New Zealand with your family?
How to Find Farm Jobs With Visa Sponsorship
Ready to apply? Follow these steps to secure a farm job in 2025:
- Research Job Boards: Use sites like SEEK, Indeed, or Backpacker Job Board for listings. Filter for “visa sponsorship” to narrow results.
- Contact Large Farms Directly: Farms like Fonterra or New Zealand Cherry Corp often post openings on their websites.
- Network: Join farming groups on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook to connect with employers.
- Work With Agencies: Agencies like Global Farming Jobs specialize in placing international workers.
- Prepare Your Application: Tailor your resume to highlight farm experience, physical fitness, and machinery skills. Include references.
Pro Tip: Apply between March and June for seasonal roles starting in July.
Where will you start your job search?
Benefits of Farm Jobs in New Zealand
Farm jobs offer more than just a paycheck. Here’s what you gain:
- Free or Subsidized Housing: Many farms provide on-site accommodation, cutting living costs.
- Training Programs: Dairy farms offer 4-12 month programs to teach modern techniques.
- Pathways to Residency: Skilled roles, like herd manager, qualify for fast-track residency under the Green List.
- Community Connection: Live in tight-knit rural areas, building lifelong friendships.
For example, a farm assistant in Waikato shared how free housing and training helped them save NZD 10,000 in a year while learning new skills.
What excites you most about these benefits?
Challenges to Consider
Farm work isn’t always easy. Be prepared for:
- Long hours, especially during calving or harvest seasons.
- Physical demands, like lifting heavy equipment or working in all weather.
- Rural isolation, with limited access to city amenities.
Ask yourself: Are you ready for early mornings and hard work?
Start Your New Zealand Farm Journey Today
New Zealand’s farm jobs offer you a chance to earn, learn, and live in a breathtaking country. From dairy farming to fruit picking, opportunities abound in 2025. With visa sponsorship, competitive wages, and career growth, these roles suit adventurers like you.
Take the first step. Research job boards, polish your resume, and apply early. Your dream of working on a New Zealand farm is closer than you think.
Which farm job will you apply for first?
