The Far North of New Zealand is stunning. Rolling hills, warm sun, and orchards full of avocados ready for harvest. A friendly team is looking for four motivated backpackers, ideally two couples, to join their avocado orchard team for approximately two months of work. Start date is Monday 9th March. Base location is Waiharara in the Far North, with work also covering other orchards in the region. You must have your own self contained van because accommodation is not provided on site. However, there is plenty of space to park your vans. The pay rate is $25 per hour. Minimum hours are ten per week, but expect full weeks of work during the busy season. If you enjoy working outdoors and want to join a friendly team during harvest, read on.
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About the Company
Just Avocados is an avocado service provider based in Katikati, Bay of Plenty, but this specific role is based in the Far North orchard at Waiharara. The company is experienced in orchard management and harvesting, and they pride themselves on a friendly, supportive team environment. They welcome backpackers and working holiday makers who want to experience New Zealand horticulture while earning good money. For couples with self contained vans, this is a perfect opportunity to save on accommodation costs while working in a beautiful part of the country.
What You Will Do Every Day
You will work across avocado orchards in the Far North region, starting at the Waiharara base. You will pick avocados by hand, carefully placing fruit into picking bags or bins to avoid bruising. You will reach up into trees and use ladders where needed, as avocados grow at various heights. You will sort fruit by size and quality, following the orchard’s standards for harvest. You will carry filled bags to collection points, where fruit is transferred to larger bins for transport to packhouses. You will work efficiently because the pay is hourly, but the team values quality and care. You will work outdoors in variable weather, from warm sunny mornings to cool overcast days. You will coordinate with other pickers to cover trees systematically, helping each other to complete each block. You will also assist with basic orchard tasks such as clearing fallen fruit, moving ladders, or tidying work areas. The work is physical, repetitive, and rewarding. You will see the trees empty as the harvest progresses. Hours are expected to be full weeks, with a minimum guarantee of ten hours per week.
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What We Are Looking For
You must be a motivated backpacker on a valid working holiday visa. Ideally you are part of a couple, but single applicants may also be considered if you have your own self contained van. Your van must be self contained with its own toilet and cooking facilities because no accommodation buildings are available. Plenty of parking space is provided. You need to be physically fit for outdoor labour, including climbing ladders, reaching, bending, and carrying weight. No previous avocado picking experience is required, but a positive attitude and willingness to learn are essential. You must be reliable and able to start on Monday 9th March. You should have your own transport within your van to move between orchards in the region. No degree is mentioned or required. Must have a valid WHV and your own IRD number and NZ bank account.
Pay and Benefits
The pay rate is $25 per hour. You are guaranteed a minimum of ten hours per week, but during the peak harvest you can expect full weeks of forty to fifty hours. That means strong earning potential. You will have plenty of free space to park your self contained van, so no rent costs. The location in the Far North is beautiful, close to Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga. You will work with a friendly team, and the harvest season lasts approximately two months from the 9th March start. You will gain horticulture experience and make great memories.
How to Apply
To apply or get more information, visit the Work with us page on the Just Avocados website or contact the avocado service provider directly. Use the links provided in the original listing. Make sure to mention that you have your own self contained van and your working holiday visa status. Tell them if you are applying as a couple or as a single. The start date is Monday 9th March, so apply immediately. Do not wait. A two month avocado harvest role in the Far North with van parking and a friendly team is a rare find. Send your application today and get ready to work outdoors, explore the Far North, and earn good money. Your next adventure starts on 9th March.
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