Seasonal work in NZ: a month-by-month calendar (horticulture, harvest, farms, ski fields, tourism)

How seasonal work works

• Every worker is entitled to at least the adult minimum wage ($23.95 from 1 April 2026) and a written employment agreement. Piece-rate pay (paid per bin or per kilo) must still average at least the minimum wage across hours worked, and the employer must top up if it doesn't.
• Holiday pay: 8% can be paid with your wages only in limited cases (genuinely intermittent or irregular work, or a genuine fixed term under 12 months), it must be agreed in your employment agreement and shown separately on your payslip. Check your payslips.
• Accommodation, if offered, should be written down: cost, standard and what happens if the job ends early. Deductions must be agreed.
• Tax: tell the employer your IRD number and tax code. Short-term work often has the wrong code (e.g. a secondary code); check it so you're not over- or under-taxed.
• If you're on a benefit tell Work and Income when you start, as income affects payments. Many seasonal workers keep some payment when earnings are low; ask.
• Overseas seasonal workers under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme fill many horticulture and viticulture jobs, but employers must show they've tried to recruit New Zealanders first. Work and Income work brokers can connect you with RSE employers' local hiring. The Government announced RSE changes on 28 July 2026, to be phased in from early 2027 (current settings apply until then), so conditions may shift.

Month-by-month calendar (typical, check locally)

Ski fields and winter tourism

• Typical season: roughly June to October, depending on snow. Roles: lift operations, ski patrol, rental, hospitality, instructors, snow groomers, housekeeping, retail, transport.
• Recruitment often runs March to May, so plan for next winter.
• Accommodation is a challenge in Queenstown and Wanaka. Many employers offer staff housing.
• Experience matters for patrol and instructor roles; qualifications (e.g. NZSIA) apply.

Farm and rural work

• Dairy: calving (July-September) is the busiest hiring time. 1 June is the traditional changeover. Roles include farm assistant, relief milker, calf rearer and herd manager. DairyNZ, Farm Source and rural recruiters advertise jobs; Farmstrong has wellbeing support for rural workers.
• Sheep and beef: lambing (August-October), shearing (year-round, peaks Nov-Feb), mustering, docking and weaning.
• Cropping and vegetables: Pukekohe, Canterbury, Hawke's Bay and Gisborne; harvest peaks vary by crop.
• Forestry: year-round, safety training required; often well paid but physical and dangerous, so ensure proper training.
• Newcomers can start as farm assistants and train via industry programmes; NZ Rural Contractors, Primary ITO/Competenz-type bodies and Mana in Mahi can help with training (verify current names).

How to get seasonal work

1. Apply early: contact packhouses, orchards, vineyards, ski fields and farm employers 4-8 weeks before the season.
2. Use Trade Me Jobs, SEEK, local Facebook groups, DairyNZ/Farm Source, regional growers' associations, Work and Income work brokers and local labour-hire firms.
3. Ask about housing, transport, pay (hourly or piece-rate) and how many weeks of work to expect.
4. Bring your IRD number, bank details, ID and any tickets (driver's licence, forklift, first aid).
5. Prepare for physical work: footwear, sun protection, water, and enough money to cover the first week before payday.
6. If you're on a benefit and moving for work, ask Work and Income about the Transition to Work grant (relocation and work costs).