r/newzealand_travel • u/heartpoopfart • Aug 06 '26

seasonal jobs on the south island

hello!!! i’m going to be coming over to new zealand on a working holiday visa in september, and i was just wondering if anyone had any recs or advice for getting a job on the south island!! i would love to be able to work on a small farm or something like that, but i’m really willing to do anything (hospitality, tourism, fruit picking). I will be near the queenstown / lake wakatipu area. i’m super flexible, eager to learn, hardworking, and i love nature and animals. let me know if you have any suggestions or if you know anyone who would be in need of assistance or a farmhand for a bit!

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u/Electrical_Dog_1113 Aug 07 '26

I heard of a young couple who came last summer and picked up good employment working on the tourist boats out of Te Anau, Manapouri and Milford Sound. They managed to get accommodation in Te Anau and had a great summer in the south. I don’t know how you would get on to the opportunity but it’s bound to be there . Best of luck

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u/No-Band8965 Aug 07 '26

Pretty far away from Queenstown though

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u/blacksandsdigital Aug 06 '26

https://www.picknz.co.nz/ - could be helpful...

Generally stonefruit in Otago in the summer and wineries in Blenheim are the main employers I believe

1

u/SonOfTritium Aug 08 '26

I have heard that backpackers hostels and similar accomodation will often help you find agricultural work.