Apple pickers harvest Gala, Braeburn, Jazz varieties in orchards across Hawke’s Bay, Nelson, Central Otago. Earn NZD 24-34/hr piece rate ($10K-16K per 10-12 week season), ladder picking, bin filling, quality sorting. Hass, Mr Apple, Barkers, Pack ‘n Cool hiring NOW for February-May – fit reliable pickers wanted!
Job Overview
Job Title: Apple Picker / Orchard Harvester / Bin Filler / Fruit Grader
Location: Hawke’s Bay (Hastings, Napier), Nelson (Tadmor), Central Otago (Cromwell)
Industry: Fruit Orchards, Apple Export
Hiring Companies: Mr Apple, Hass Orchards, Barkers, Pack ‘n Cool, Apple fields
Job Demand: High (Feb-May peak, export demand)**
Job Responsibilities
- Pick ripe apples from ladders into bags/buckets.
- Grade/sort quality (export 1st grade standards).
- Fill 18kg trays/bins carefully (no bruising).
- Orchard pruning cleanup, netting removal.
- Work teams filling 100+ bins/day.
- 8-10hr days, early starts (6-7AM).
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit: 18-50 years
Experience: Entry-level welcome, training provided
License: Preferred rural transport
Fitness: Ladder climbing, 15kg bags repeatedly
Checks: Drug test some orchards
Salary & Benefits 🔥
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Pay Rate | NZD 24-34/hr equiv. |
| Tray Rate | $1.50-2.50/tray |
| Weekly Avg | NZD 1,000-1,600 |
| Season Total | NZD 10K-16K (10-12wks) |
| Accommodation | $120-180/wk shared |
| Meals | Often provided |
| Transport | Orchard pickups |
| Bonus | Quality/fast teams |
Salary Structure
| Speed Level | Hourly Equiv. | Trays/Day | Weekly Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | NZD 24 | 400-500 | $1,000 |
| Average | NZD 27-29 | 600-800 | $1,200-1,400 |
| Fast Pro | NZD 32-34+ | 900+ | $1,600+ |
Related Job Posts
| Job Title | Company/Location | Pay/Details | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Picker | Mr Apple/Hastings | Feb start | Teams |
| Bin Filler | Hass/Napier | Accomm incl. | Fast pace |
| Fruit Grader | Barkers/Nelson | $2/tray | Quality eye |
| Orchard Worker | Pack n Cool/Cromwell | Full season | Reliable |
Visa & Documents
Visa Options: Working Holiday, Accredited Employer, Seasonal RSE
Required:
✓ Passport valid
✓ Police clearance
✓ Medical certificate
✓ Physically fit
How to Apply
- Register BackpackerJobBoard.co.nz/apple-picking
- MrApple.co.nz/careers or phone 06 873 3434
- Seek.co.nz apple harvest Hawke’s Bay
👉 Apply NOW Apple Harvest Jobs
Important Tips
- Ladders + speed = high earnings (practice balance)
- Hawke’s Bay = best pay/accommodation
- Feb-May season – start training January
- Teams share bins = faster money
- Export quality = no bruises/blemishes
- Full season = recommendation letters
FAQs
No experience?
Yes! Day 1 ladder/grading training
Live-in camps?
Standard $150/wk shared orchard
Piece rate safe?
Guaranteed minimum $24/hr slow days
Rain policy?
Usually off, covered insurance
Drug test?
Selective orchards only
Best varieties?
Gala easiest for beginners
Conclusion
Apple picking = NZ$10K-16K seasonal cash, orchard harvest NOW! Mr Apple, Hass hiring Hawke’s Bay TODAY. Register Backpacker Job Board IMMEDIATELY – ladder teams secure tray bonuses. Pick NZ’s crisp apples 2026!
👉APPLY NOW FOR APPLE PICKING JOBS IN NZ