Farm jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship in 2025 are rapidly becoming one of the easiest and most accessible ways for foreign workers to secure legal employment in a beautiful and high-income country.
New Zealand is facing a chronic labor shortage in its agriculture sector, and to keep up with local demand, farm owners are opening their doors wide to international workers — many offering full visa sponsorship, accommodation, and other benefits.
Whether you’re looking for seasonal fruit picking, dairy farm work, or long-term employment in agricultural operations, New Zealand presents a fantastic opportunity to earn well, gain international experience, and potentially build a permanent life abroad.
This article walks you through the types of farm jobs available, who’s hiring, how to apply, and what you need to qualify — all without needing a university degree.
Why Farm Jobs Are in High Demand in New Zealand
1. Severe Local Labor Shortage
The New Zealand farming industry has relied on seasonal and migrant workers for years. However, border closures during the pandemic created massive shortages. Even now, locals are reluctant to take up physically demanding farm roles, leaving thousands of vacancies each year.
2. Expanding Agricultural Sector
Agriculture contributes over 6% to New Zealand’s GDP. With exports like dairy, fruits, vegetables, and wine expanding globally, farms require a steady and reliable labor force — especially during planting and harvest seasons.
3. Government-Endorsed Migrant Worker Pathways
New Zealand’s immigration system has been updated to allow easier entry for foreign laborers in high-demand sectors — and farming is at the top of that list.
Types of Farm Jobs Available in New Zealand (2025)
You don’t need advanced education or prior overseas experience. Here are the top farm job roles available for international applicants with visa sponsorship:
1. Fruit Picking and Harvesting
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Common crops: Apples, kiwifruits, grapes, berries, and citrus fruits
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Regions: Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty, Marlborough, Nelson
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Season: February to May and October to December
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Pay: NZD $22 – $28/hour
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Sponsorship: Yes, by large orchards and cooperatives
2. Dairy Farm Assistants
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Daily milking, cleaning, feeding livestock
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Work Hours: Early mornings, long shifts
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Regions: Waikato, Canterbury, Taranaki
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Pay: NZD $25 – $32/hour
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Accommodation: Often provided on-site
3. Vegetable Picking and Packing
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Carrots, onions, lettuce, potatoes
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Sorting, washing, and packaging
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Pay: NZD $23 – $27/hour
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Extra Benefits: Free transport from local hostels or lodges
4. Vineyard and Winery Labor
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Planting, pruning, grape picking
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Popular Areas: Marlborough, Otago
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Pay: NZD $24 – $30/hour
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Seasonal, with potential to return annually
5. Livestock Handling and General Farm Work
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Sheep herding, feeding animals, cleaning barns
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Requires physical strength and long hours
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Pay: NZD $26 – $35/hour
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Experience: Preferred, not always required
Who Can Apply for Farm Jobs in New Zealand with Sponsorship?
You don’t need to be from a specific country to apply. However, you must meet these basic requirements:
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Be at least 18 years old
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Have a valid passport
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Pass a basic health and police background check
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Be willing to do physically demanding work
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Meet the English communication standard (basic)
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Be available to work full-time for the duration of the contract
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Have some farming or manual labor experience (preferred but not required)
Visas Available for Farm Jobs in New Zealand
There are multiple visa options that allow foreigners to work on farms legally:
1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
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Launched to replace the Essential Skills Visa
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Foreigners can work for New Zealand employers accredited by Immigration NZ
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Visa Length: Up to 3 years
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Can be renewed
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Employer must offer at least NZD $29.66/hour (as of 2025) or the relevant market rate
2. Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme
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Specifically for seasonal horticulture and viticulture jobs
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Employers must be part of the RSE program
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Visa Duration: Up to 7 months
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Free or subsidized accommodation often included
3. Working Holiday Visa
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Available to citizens from specific countries (e.g., UK, Canada, Australia, Japan)
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Ideal for younger workers (18–30 years old)
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Can work for up to 12 months and change employers
4. Post-Study Work Visa
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If you studied in New Zealand, you can apply for farm work under this visa
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Offers a bridge to longer-term work or PR options
Top Regions Hiring for Farm Work in 2025
1. Bay of Plenty
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Known for kiwifruit and citrus
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High number of fruit-picking jobs
2. Hawke’s Bay
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Apple and stone fruit orchards
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Vineyard jobs in summer and autumn
3. Canterbury
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Dairy farms and livestock
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Year-round roles with on-farm housing
4. Marlborough
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New Zealand’s largest wine-growing region
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Vineyard jobs with visa sponsorship and return contracts
5. Otago
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Mix of livestock and viticulture
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Offers opportunities for full-season employment
How to Find Farm Jobs in New Zealand with Sponsorship
1. Job Boards and Websites
These platforms often list farm jobs with visa sponsorship:
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Pick NZ
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Work the Seasons
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Backpacker Board
Use filters like:
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“Visa sponsorship”
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“RSE approved”
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“Farm jobs for foreigners”
2. Recruitment Agencies
Reliable agencies often help foreign workers connect with accredited employers:
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Rural Contractors NZ
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AgStaff
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The Orchardist
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Tradestaff
3. Employer Websites
Larger farms and cooperatives list jobs directly:
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Zespri (kiwifruit industry leader)
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Southern Pastures
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Dairy Holdings Limited
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T&G Global
What to Include in Your Application
1. Resume/CV
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One-page CV with a focus on physical labor, farming, or manual jobs
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Mention any machinery or harvesting tools you’ve used
2. Cover Letter
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Brief and tailored to each role
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Express your interest, work ethic, and willingness to relocate
3. Valid Passport and ID
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Must have at least 12 months validity
4. Health Certificate (upon request)
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Employers may ask for a health check report depending on job type
Benefits of Farm Jobs in New Zealand
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Visa Sponsorship: Provided by most large employers
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Free or Subsidized Housing
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On-the-Job Training
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Potential for Long-Term Contracts
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Weekly or Bi-Weekly Pay
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Friendly, multicultural work environment
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Pathway to Work Visa Extension or PR
Expected Salary & Living Costs
| Role | Hourly Rate (NZD) | Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit Picker | $22 – $28 | $3,500 – $4,400 |
| Dairy Farm Assistant | $25 – $32 | $4,000 – $5,100 |
| Vineyard Worker | $24 – $30 | $3,800 – $4,800 |
| Livestock Hand | $26 – $35 | $4,100 – $5,600 |
Living Costs (Monthly Estimate):
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Rent (shared): $400 – $700
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Food & Groceries: $300 – $400
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Transport (if needed): $100 – $150
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Phone & Internet: $50 – $100
Tips to Secure a Sponsored Farm Job in New Zealand
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Apply early—many employers hire months before harvest season.
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Get references from previous jobs, even local ones.
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Be ready for a quick start—some jobs require immediate availability.
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Check if the employer is RSE or AEWV accredited.
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Respond quickly to emails and interview requests—competition can be high.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying without checking the visa eligibility
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Sending generic resumes without tailoring
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Ignoring job descriptions and experience requirements
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Overlooking the importance of physical readiness for manual labor
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Using unofficial or scam job boards — always verify the employer or platform
Can Farm Jobs in New Zealand Lead to Permanent Residency?
Yes — but through the right steps.
If you’re working under the Accredited Employer Work Visa, and your job is in a green-list role (some dairy farm roles are), you may qualify for the Residency Visa Pathway. Also, continuous full-time work in a rural region can support applications under long-term skilled migrant categories.
People also read: Nursing Jobs in the UK for Foreigners 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak fluent English?
No, basic communication is enough for most farm jobs. However, better English may help with longer-term visas and safety understanding.
Are these jobs open to everyone?
Most nationalities can apply, but some countries have bilateral agreements or easier visa pathways (e.g., Philippines, Indonesia, Fiji, India, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, etc.)
Do I need prior farming experience?
Not always. While helpful, many jobs offer training. However, employers often prefer candidates with a strong work ethic and manual labor experience.
Farm jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship in 2025 offer a practical and profitable way for foreign workers to gain overseas experience, earn a solid income, and even explore long-term settlement options.
From picking fruit under the sunny skies of Hawke’s Bay to working with livestock in the serene fields of Canterbury, the work is honest, rewarding, and wide open to international applicants.
With proper planning, a strong application, and the right job platform, your New Zealand farming journey can begin sooner than you think.
