If you want Seasonal work in New Zealand, this simple guide will take you through everything step by step. I’ll explain what the work is like, how visa sponsorship usually works, what employers must do, how you fill the Application Form, and practical things like the NZeTA Cost and visitor levies. Read on — I’ll keep it plain and helpful so you finish with no doubts.

What is seasonal work in New Zealand?

When people say Seasonal work in New Zealand, they usually mean short-term jobs on farms, orchards, or vineyards during busy harvest or pruning seasons. These jobs include picking fruit, packing, pruning vines, and other outdoor tasks. Seasonal work in New Zealand is often physically warm, tiring, and fast-paced, but it also pays, teaches practical skills, and gives you time to travel around this beautiful country. The most common program that brings people in for this kind of work is the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme. 

Two main ways people find seasonal work

There are two main routes to get seasonal jobs:

• Through the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, where accredited growers recruit and sponsor workers.

• Other short-term or employer-sponsored visas that may open for specific needs.

If an employer sponsors you under the RSE scheme, they handle much of the paperwork and promise to meet rules about pay, housing, and worker welfare. That is why many choose RSE jobs for Seasonal work in New Zealand — it’s often clearer and safer than going through unknown recruiters. 

Who can apply — age, offer, and length of stay

To work through the RSE scheme you normally must:

• Be 18 or older, and

• Have a genuine job offer from a Recognised Seasonal Employer before applying.

Most RSE work allows you to stay for up to seven months in any 11-month period (some Pacific nations have slightly longer limits). That means seasonal work in New Zealand is usually a fixed-term plan rather than a long-term move. Always check the exact visa conditions for your situation.

How employer sponsorship works (plainly)

Employers who want to hire from overseas must be accredited and, where needed, have an Agreement to Recruit (ATR). This paperwork proves to Immigration New Zealand that the employer can provide safe housing, fair pay, and necessary support for workers. So, before you accept an offer, confirm the employer is accredited — that helps keep seasonal work in New Zealand honest and safer for you. 

Step-by-step: how you apply

1. Find trusted RSE employers or reputable recruiters. Look for clear adverts that say they are an RSE employer.

2. Get a written job offer. Read it carefully — it should explain duties, wage, hours, accommodation, and who pays for travel or medicals.

3. Complete the Application Form the employer or Immigration New Zealand gives you. Keep copies of everything you send.

4. Prepare documents like your passport, identity papers, medical or police checks if asked, and the written job offer.

5. Pay fees and follow the application. You will usually pay visa fees and any levies required. Track the progress and keep receipts.

Money matters: NZeTA and visitor levies

If you need to request a travel authority, know the NZeTA Cost before you start. An NZeTA request costs NZD $17 when you use the official app, or NZD $23 if you apply online, and you should allow up to 72 hours for processing. Also, New Zealand charges an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL); that amount was increased to NZD $100 on 1 October 2024. These sums can add to your travel cost, so plan ahead and always pay on official government sites to avoid scams. 

What the job is like day to day

Expect early starts, physical work, and often a focus on speed during harvest. Training is usually on the job, and employers may pay hourly or piece-rate depending on the role. Good RSE employers provide decent accommodation and take on the duty of worker welfare — that’s part of what sponsorship means. If anything feels unsafe or unfair, you can raise concerns with the proper authorities. Seasonal work in New Zealand should be a fair and safe experience. 

Common questions (short answers)

• Can family come with me?
• Most seasonal visas do not allow family to come. Check the visa rules.

• How long will the visa take?
• It depends. Some RSE visas are processed quickly but allow time for documents and health checks.

• Are there scams? 
• Yes. Never pay large fees to unknown recruiters and always confirm details in writing. Use official sites for the NZeTA Cost and IVL payments.

Safety tips and red flags

• Verify the employer is on official RSE lists or says they’re accredited.

• Get the Application Form and job offer in writing.

• Don’t hand over big sums to strangers.

• Keep copies of every document and receipt.

Final words — is it worth it?

Seasonal work in New Zealand gives you a clear time to earn, learn skills, and see a lovely country. If you pick an accredited employer, complete the Application Form carefully, and plan for costs like NZeTA and the IVL, seasonal work in New Zealand can be safe and rewarding. Take your time to check facts on official government pages and ask questions — most employers who sponsor workers want a good reputation and will help you start well.