Want to work in beautiful New Zealand? The country just launched two new seasonal work visas that make it easier for foreign workers to get jobs. These New Zealand seasonal work visas let you work in farming, tourism, wine-making, and hospitality while enjoying one of the world’s most stunning countries.
This guide explains everything about New Zealand seasonal work visas 2025/2026, including who can apply, how much you’ll earn, and how to get started.
Why New Zealand Needs Seasonal Workers
New Zealand has a big worker shortage during busy seasons. Farms need pickers during harvest. Ski resorts need instructors in winter. Wineries need workers during grape season.
The Problem: Not enough local New Zealanders to fill all these seasonal jobs.
The Solution: Two new seasonal work visas starting December 8, 2025.
What This Means for You: New Zealand employers are actively hiring foreign workers and sponsoring their visas for seasonal jobs.
The Two New Seasonal Work Visas
1. Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) – For Experienced Workers
This visa is for skilled seasonal workers who have experience and want to return to New Zealand year after year.
Best For: Experienced seasonal professionals
How Long: Up to 3 years
Who Qualifies:
- Workers with at least 3 seasons of experience in the last 6 years
- People who can leave New Zealand for 3 months each year
- Skilled workers in approved seasonal jobs
No Need For:
- English language test
- Employer to prove they tried hiring locals first
You Must Have:
- Full medical checkup
- Police clearance certificate
- Health insurance (if working more than 3 months)
Salary Range: NZD $45,000 – $85,000+ per year
Jobs Available:
- Agricultural machine operators
- Animal pregnancy scanners
- Snow sports instructors
- Winemakers
- Outdoor adventure guides
- Sheep shearers
- Ski patrol officers
- Tourism managers
- Viticulturists (grape growing specialists)
Why It’s Great:
- Valid for 3 years
- Come back every year
- Higher pay
- No English test needed
- Fast approval process
2. Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) – For Entry-Level Workers
This visa is for workers who need jobs during busy peak seasons like fruit picking or kitchen work.
Best For: Entry-level seasonal workers
How Long: Up to 7 months
Who Qualifies:
- Workers with at least 1 season of experience in the past 3 years
- People who can stay outside New Zealand for 4 months between visas
- Entry-level workers in approved seasonal jobs
Requirements:
- Employer must try to hire New Zealanders first
- Health insurance (if working more than 3 months)
- Police certificate
- Medical checkup
No English Test Needed
Salary Range: NZD $28,000 – $45,000+ per year
Jobs Available:
- Fruit and vegetable pickers
- Packhouse workers
- Mussel farm workers
- Calf rearers
- Forestry workers
- Meat processing workers
- Winery cellar hands
- Kitchen assistants
- Housekeepers
- Farm laborers
Why It’s Great:
- 7 months of work
- Perfect for first-time workers
- Good way to experience New Zealand
- No English test
- Straightforward application
What You Need to Qualify
For Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
Essential Requirements:
- Job offer from approved New Zealand employer
- 3 seasons of work experience in last 6 years
- Proof you can spend 3 months outside NZ each year
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Medical examination results
- Police clearance certificate
- Health insurance (for jobs over 3 months)
- Your job must be on the official GWSV job list
For Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)
Essential Requirements:
- Job offer from approved New Zealand employer
- At least 1 season of experience in past 3 years
- Proof you can stay away from NZ for 4 months between visas
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Medical checkup
- Police certificate
- Health insurance (for jobs over 3 months)
- Your job must be on the official PSV job list
How to Apply Step-by-Step
Step 1: Check Employer is Approved
Make sure your employer has AEWV accreditation. Only approved employers can sponsor seasonal work visas.
How to Check: Visit Immigration New Zealand website and search their employer database.
Step 2: Get a Job Offer
Find and secure a job with an approved employer.
Your Job Offer Must Include:
- Job title and duties
- Work location in New Zealand
- Contract length
- Salary and hours (minimum 30 hours per week)
- Start and end dates
Step 3: Gather Documents
Required Documents:
- Valid Passport – Must be valid for 6+ months
- Police Certificate – From your home country (less than 24 months old)
- Medical Certificate – From approved doctor
- Work Experience Proof – Letters from previous employers, contracts, pay slips
- Travel History – Showing seasonal patterns of work
- Health Insurance – If working more than 3 months
- Employment Agreement – From your New Zealand employer
Pro Tip: Get all documents translated to English by certified translator if needed.
Step 4: Apply Online
Your employer sends you a link to the application form.
Complete the Immigration New Zealand online application and upload all documents.
Application Fees:
- Peak Seasonal Visa: NZD $1,540
- Global Workforce Seasonal Visa: NZD $1,800-$2,200
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Processing time varies by application. Make sure all documents are complete to avoid delays.
Average Wait: 4-8 weeks
Step 6: Get Your eVisa
Once approved, you receive an electronic visa with all conditions.
Before Travel:
- Complete NZ Traveller Declaration
- Prepare for customs and biosecurity checks
- Book flights and accommodation
Step 7: Arrive in New Zealand
Land in New Zealand and start your seasonal job!
Top Industries and Peak Seasons
Agriculture & Horticulture
Peak Seasons:
- Fruit picking: November – May
- Grape harvesting: February – May
- Dairy support: August – November
Main Regions:
- Bay of Plenty (kiwifruit, avocados)
- Hawke’s Bay (apples, grapes)
- Marlborough (grapes, wine)
Pay: NZD $22-$30 per hour
Tourism & Hospitality
Peak Seasons:
- Summer tourism: December – February
- Winter sports: June – September
Jobs:
- Hotel staff
- Restaurant workers
- Tour guides
- Activity instructors
Main Regions:
- Queenstown (adventure capital)
- Rotorua (tourism hub)
- Canterbury (skiing)
Pay: NZD $23-$35 per hour
Wine Industry
Peak Season: February – April (vintage season)
Jobs:
- Grape pickers
- Cellar hands
- Winery assistants
- Winemakers (GWSV)
Main Region:
- Marlborough (largest wine region)
- Central Otago
- Hawke’s Bay
Pay: NZD $22-$45 per hour
Adventure Tourism
Seasons: Year-round (varies by activity)
Jobs:
- Ski instructors
- Bungy jump operators
- Kayak guides
- Mountain guides
- Ski patrol
Main Regions:
- Queenstown
- Wanaka
- Ruapehu
Pay: NZD $25-$40 per hour
Where to Find Seasonal Jobs
Official Job Boards
Government Websites:
- Immigration New Zealand Jobs Portal
- Seasonal Jobs NZ (government-supported)
Popular Job Sites:
- Backpacker Board
- Pick NZ
- Seek.co.nz
- Trade Me Jobs
Industry Organizations
Contact These Groups:
- NZ Wine Growers Association
- Horticulture New Zealand
- Tourism Industry Aotearoa
Employer Databases
Check Immigration New Zealand’s official list of approved AEWV employers.
Warning: Only apply to approved employers. Scammers exist!
Important Visa Rules
Things You Cannot Do:
- Bring spouse or children on dependent visas
- Work for employers not on your visa
- Stay in NZ during your required break period
- Work year-round (these are seasonal visas only)
Things You Must Do:
- Only work in approved jobs and locations
- Maintain valid health insurance
- Leave New Zealand during stand-down periods
- Get approval before changing jobs
Living Costs in New Zealand
Monthly Budget for Seasonal Workers
Income Example (PSV):
- 40 hours/week at NZD $23/hour = NZD $920/week
- Monthly: About NZD $3,680
Expenses:
- Shared accommodation: NZD $150-$250/week
- Food: NZD $80-$120/week
- Transport: NZD $30-$60/week
- Phone: NZD $20-$40/week
- Entertainment: NZD $50-$100/week
- Total: About NZD $330-$570 per week
Money Left for Savings: NZD $350-$590 per week
Note: Many farm jobs provide free accommodation, saving you hundreds weekly!
Benefits of These Visas
For Workers:
- Simple application process
- No English test required
- Multi-year option (GWSV)
- Good wages with legal protections
- Experience beautiful New Zealand
- Build international work experience
- Possible pathway to longer visas
For Employers:
- Fast access to workers
- Can rehire good workers yearly
- Support during busy seasons
Best Regions for Seasonal Work
Bay of Plenty:
- Kiwifruit capital
- Lots of picking jobs
- Warm climate
Hawke’s Bay:
- Apples and grapes
- Wine industry jobs
- Beautiful beaches
Marlborough:
- Largest wine region
- Vintage work
- Stunning scenery
Queenstown & Wanaka:
- Ski jobs in winter
- Tourism in summer
- Adventure activities
Canterbury:
- Ski fields
- Farming
- Outdoor work
Northland:
- Subtropical fruits
- Aquaculture
- Year-round warm weather
Application Tips
1. Start Early
- Begin preparing 4-6 months before you want to travel
- Seasonal jobs fill up fast
2. Keep Good Records
- Save all work contracts
- Get reference letters from employers
- Keep pay slips as proof
3. Prove Your Seasonal Pattern
- Show travel bookings
- Explain your work cycle
- Demonstrate you’ll leave during breaks
4. Choose Approved Employers
- Check Immigration NZ’s official list
- Research employer reviews
- Avoid scams
5. Get Health Insurance Early
- Required for jobs over 3 months
- Buy before applying
- Keep policy documents
6. Update Documents
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Recent police certificate
- Current medical checkup
Warning: Avoid Scams
Red Flags:
- Anyone asking for payment to guarantee visa
- Companies charging large “recruitment fees”
- Promises that seem too good to be true
- Employers not on official Immigration NZ list
Remember: Real New Zealand employers and Immigration NZ never charge workers recruitment fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bring my family? A: No, these seasonal visas don’t allow dependent visas for family members.
Q: Can I apply for permanent residence later? A: These are temporary seasonal visas, but some workers later qualify for other visa types.
Q: Do I need perfect English? A: No English test is required for either visa type.
Q: How much can I save? A: With free accommodation, many workers save NZD $1,000-$2,000 per month.
Q: Can I travel around New Zealand? A: Yes, during your time off and breaks between jobs.
Q: What happens if I overstay? A: Overstaying results in deportation and bans from future New Zealand visas.
Start Your New Zealand Adventure Today
New Zealand seasonal work visas 2025/2026 offer amazing opportunities to work in one of the world’s most beautiful countries. Whether you’re an experienced agricultural worker or looking for your first seasonal job abroad, these visas provide a clear path.
With good pay, beautiful scenery, and friendly people, New Zealand is the perfect place for seasonal work.
Ready to apply? Visit Immigration New Zealand’s website at www.immigration.govt.nz, find approved employers, and start your application today. Your New Zealand adventure is waiting!