Cherry Picker

Central Orchard Management Ltd.; Cromwell Community; On-site; NZD 12,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free transport

Performance bonus

Early starts

Outdoor work in Central Otago

International team environment

Job summary

Central Orchard Management Ltd. is seeking seasonal cherry pickers for Cromwell and surrounding Central Otago locations. This role involves harvesting high-quality fruit in a fast-paced outdoor setting and offers a piece-rate structure with minimum wage protections.

You’ll start early during peak periods and may work seven days a week when harvest is in full swing, with free transport to orchards and an international team environment.

Qualifications

• No experience required; energy and a positive attitude are valued.
• Flexible schedules and ability to adapt to weather and harvest needs.
• Physically demanding outdoor work with lifting and climbing.
• Ability to work well in a multicultural team across Cromwell and nearby areas.
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic are important.

Responsibilities

• Harvest cherries in orchards using a harness and bucket (around 5kg when full).
• Climb ladders as part of picking activities; training provided.
• Work across different tree structures to vary picking tasks.

Skills

Flexible

Physically fit

Motivated

Quality-focused

Team-oriented

Reliable

Job description

CHERRY PICKING IN CROMWELL – WORK, EARN & ENJOY SUMMER

Location: Cromwell & surrounding areas, Central Otago, New Zealand

Season: Summer 26/27 (December 2026 - January/February 2027))

Job Type: Seasonal Work | Free transport

Looking for a summer job that actually feels like summer?

Spend your summer in Central Otago - picking cherries, meeting people from around the world and having your afternoons free to enjoy one of New Zealand's best summer regions.

Whether you're travelling around New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa, heading home from uni for summer or simply looking to make some money over the holidays, we'd love to have you on the team.

About the Role

Cherry picking is piece-rate work, so the more you pick, the more you can earn, with applicable minimum-wage protections. You'll also have the opportunity for a performance bonus for strong attendance and performance.

As a cherry picker, you’ll be harvesting high-quality cherries in orchards across Cromwell and nearby locations. The work is physically active and perfect for anyone who enjoys being outdoors and working in a team environment.

What the job involves:

• Picking cherries using a harness and bucket (around 5kg when full)
• Climbing ladders (training provided)
• Work across different tree structures for variety and ease of picking

Working hours & flexibility

Cherry harvest is a 7-day operation during peak periods, so flexibility and availability are important.

• Early morning starts, generally between 6:00–7:00 am
• Daily start times and hours can change from day to day, depending on fruit maturity, weather and harvest requirements
• Work may sometimes be adjusted at short notice, including changes to the planned start time or finish time
• Weekend work is required during the peak harvest period
• Work is generally organised around the needs of the orchard, with hours and days varying throughout the season

Being flexible and able to adapt to changing harvest conditions is an important part of working in the orchard during cherry season.

What We’re Looking For

You don’t need experience – just energy and a positive attitude.

You are:

• Flexible – work schedules change often due to the weather, so adaptability is key
• Physically fit – you’ll be climbing, carrying buckets and moving throughout the day
• Motivated – picking is fast-paced and performance-based
• Quality-focused – picking the colour, size and quality as required
• Team-oriented – work with people from all over the world
• Reliable – good attendance and strong work ethic are important

What You’ll Get

• Opportunity to earn good money – piece rates with minimum wage protections
• Free transport to and from the orchards
• International team environment
• Early starts and plenty of afternoon/evening free time
• Performance bonus – rewarding those who stay the season with strong attendance and high performance
• Supportive environment – training provided, ideas welcomed
• Outdoor, active work in beautiful Central Otago

Want to make the most of your summer?

Work hard, make some money, meet people and experience Central Otago at its best.