Cherry Picker – December Harvest

Advanced Horticulture Ltd; Alexandra; On-site; NZD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Cherry Orchard LP in Alexandra, Central Otago, invites reliable workers to join our cherry harvest team. You will pick ripe cherries carefully, stand or walk for long periods, and work as part of a larger harvest crew.

Experience in picking is helpful but not required; training will be provided. Accommodation options near Alexandra Tourist Park may be set aside for harvest staff, with transport between sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Reliable and punctual individuals needed for outdoor harvesting work.
• Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to follow safety procedures and instructions.
• Experience in cherry picking is an advantage but not required.

Responsibilities

• Carefully pick ripe cherries from trees.
• Use orchard ladders safely and confidently when required.
• Carry and handle picking buckets and fruit with care.
• Work efficiently to meet daily harvest targets.
• Follow orchard safety procedures at all times.
• Collaborate with the harvest team to ensure quality and speed.

Skills

Reliable

Punctual

Outdoor stamina

Team player

Safety conscious

Job description

Central Cherry Orchard LP | Waikerikeri Valley | Alexandra, Central Otago, New Zealand

Advanced Horticulture manages two cherry orchards in Central Otago; one being in the Waikerikeri Valley just outside of Alexandra - Central Cherry Orchard and the second orchard located in Lowburn just outside of Cromwell - Lowburn Cherry Orchard. We are looking to recruit pickers for the upcoming cherry harvest. As we will be operating a harvest over the two properties, our team will be required as harvest demands dictate to be available to work on either property, with transport supplied to shift teams as works demands require.

Central Cherry Orchard will have a limited number of accommodation options reserved for harvest workers at Alexandra Tourist Park, including cabins, tent sites, and powered sites. Bookings must be made directly with Alexandra Tourist Park. Contact details and more information is provided through our PICMI job application link that is provided at the bottom of the page.

Advanced Horticulture is looking for approximately 50 reliable cherry pickers to join our team for the December harvest at Central Cherry Orchard in the Waikerikeri Valley, near Alexandra.

This is a great short‑term opportunity for people who enjoy working outdoors, being part of a team, and taking pride in doing a good job. Our harvest team plays an important role in ensuring our cherries are picked carefully and handled to a high standard from the orchard through to packing.

About Central Cherry Orchard

Established in 2019, Central Cherry Orchard is a large‑scale orchard located approximately 5 minutes from Alexandra.

The current planting system ensures 80% of the cherries are picked from the ground, with the balance of the cherries being harvested using short ladders.

About Lowburn Cherry Orchard

Lowburn Cherry Orchard is a young, newly established cherry orchard located in Lowburn, Central Otago, approximately a five‑minute drive from Cromwell. The current planting system and tree maturity means there's no ladder use required.

About the Role

As a cherry picker, your main responsibility will be to carefully pick ripe cherries and handle the fruit with care to help maintain its quality.

The work is active and physically demanding, and you should be comfortable spending extended periods working outdoors. Depending on the area of the orchard and the stage of the harvest, duties may include:

• Carefully picking ripe cherries from the trees
• Using orchard ladders safely and confidently
• Carrying and working with picking buckets
• Handling fruit carefully to minimise damage
• Working efficiently to meet daily harvest requirements
• Following instructions and orchard safety procedures
• Working cooperatively as part of a larger harvest team

You will be working outdoors in changing Central Otago weather conditions, so being prepared for sun, cold mornings, wind, and other weather conditions is important.

The work can be physically demanding, with plenty of standing, walking, and reaching. With our planting system, the majority of the picking will be from the ground with minimal climbing of ladders required.

Please note:

Usual working hours are approximately 6:30 am to 3:30 pm, although daily start and finish times may vary depending on weather, fruit maturity, crop conditions, and harvest requirements. The overall harvest period may also change for the same reasons. Start and finish dates, as well as daily working hours, are therefore subject to change.

If you require accommodation, please obtain the relevant contact details through our PICMI job application link and indicate your accommodation requirements when completing your application.

We are looking for people who are:

• Reliable and punctual
• Physically capable of active outdoor work
• Comfortable working on orchard ladders
• Able to work carefully and consistently throughout the day
• Willing to follow instructions and workplace safety procedures
• Able to work well as part of a team
• Available throughout the expected December harvest period
• Positive, hardworking, and respectful of others

Previous cherry-picking or orchard experience is an advantage but is not essential. Training and guidance will be provided to help you understand our picking methods and quality standards.

What You Can Expect

Working in a cherry orchard is a hands‑on job where no two days are exactly the same. You will be part of a team working together to harvest the crop efficiently while maintaining the quality of the fruit.

If you enjoy outdoor work, staying active, and working as part of a team, this could be a great short‑term opportunity for you.

January Harvest

Please note that our main cherry harvest will take place throughout January and will be advertised separately.

If you are interested in working during the January harvest, please look out for the January job advertisement and complete the relevant application form rather than applying through this December listing.

We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to our team!