Kiwifruit pickers harvest green/gold kiwis in orchards across Bay of Plenty (Te Puke, Katikati), Gisborne. Earn NZD 25-35/hr piece rate ($12K-18K per 3-month season), filling bins fast (2+ bins/hour pairs), ladder work. PickNZ, Apata Group, JK Contracting hiring NOW for March-June – fit fast pickers wanted!
Job Overview
Job Title: Kiwifruit Picker / Orchard Harvester / Bin Filler / Gold Kiwi Picker
Location: Bay of Plenty (Te Puke, Katikati, Tauranga), Gisborne
Industry: Horticulture, Fruit Harvesting
Hiring Companies: PickNZ, Apata Group, JK Contracting, Pro Kiwi
Job Demand: Extremely High (harvest starts March 2026)**
Job Responsibilities
- Pick ripe kiwis into shoulder bags, empty to bins.
- Climb orchard ladders safely, reach high vines.
- Sort quality (no bruises), fill 20kg+ bins.
- Work pairs (one picks, one empties) for speed.
- Orchard cleanup, tool maintenance end-day.
- Rain gear provided, 8-10hr days.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit: 18-50 years
Experience: Entry-level OK, speed training given
License: Preferred for rural transport
Fitness: Excellent (ladders, 15kg bags x 100s/day)
Checks: Drug test common
Salary & Benefits 🔥
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Pay Rate | NZD 25-35/hr equiv. |
| Bin Rate | $4-7/bin (pairs) |
| Weekly Avg | NZD 1,200-1,800 |
| Season Total | NZD 12K-18K (12 weeks) |
| Accommodation | $150/wk shared |
| Meals | Provided |
| Transport | Orchard shuttles |
| Bonus | Full season $1K+ |
Salary Structure
| Speed Level | Hourly Equiv. | Bins/Day (Pair) | Weekly Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | NZD 25 | 80-100 | $1,200 |
| Average | NZD 28-30 | 120-150 | $1,400-1,600 |
| Fast Pro | NZD 32-35+ | 160+ | $1,800+ |
SEE MORE ABOUT SALARY STRUCTURE
Related Job Posts
| Job Title | Company/Location | Pay/Details | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Kiwi Picker | Apata/Te Puke | Start March 1 | Fit, fast |
| Gold Kiwi Picker | JK Katikati | Accomm incl. | Teams/pairs |
| Bin Filler | PickNZ Tauranga | $6/bin | Full season |
| Orchard Labourer | Pro Kiwi Gisborne | $25/hr base | Reliable |
Visa & Documents
Visa Options: RSE Visa (sponsored), Accredited Employer, Working Holiday
Required:
✓ Passport (6+ months valid)
✓ Police clearance
✓ Medical exam
✓ Physically fit declaration
How to Apply
- Simple CV: Fitness level, team availability
- PickNZ.co.nz – register NOW (jobs update daily)
- BackpackerJobBoard.co.nz/kiwifruit
- Phone orchards direct: Apata 07 571 2828
👉 Apply Now Pick Kiwifruit Jobs
Important Tips
- Pairs work FASTEST (one picks, one carries)
- Green kiwis easier for beginners than gold
- March-June peak – start ASAP for best orchards
- Bay of Plenty = highest pay/accommodation
- Full 12-week commitment = bonuses/visa extension
- Speed practice = $2K/week top pickers
FAQs
No experience?
Yes! Day 1 training, green kiwis simple
Rainy days?
Usually off (weather dependent)
Live-in?
Shared orchard camps $150/wk incl. power
Drug test?
Some orchards require
Piece rate risk?
Guaranteed minimum $25/hr slow days
Visa sponsorship?
RSE for Indians/Pacific, full season required
Conclusion
Kiwifruit picking = NZ$12K-18K quick cash, harvest frenzy NOW! PickNZ, Apata hiring Te Puke TODAY. Register PickNZ IMMEDIATELY – fit pairs secure fat bin bonuses. Pick NZ green gold 2026!