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Cherry Picker - January Harvest

Advanced Horticulture LtdOrchard WorkerLowburn, Cromwell, Otago2w ago
Cherry Pickers Wanted – January Harvest
Lowburn Cherry Orchard | Lowburn | Cromwell, Central Otago, New Zealand
Advanced Horticulture manages two cherry orchards in Central Otago, one located at Lowburn - Lowburn Cherry Orchard just outside of Cromwell, and the second one Central Cherry Orchard located in the Waikerikeri Valley just outside of Alexandra. 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.
Lowburn Cherries will have limited accommodation available on site for vans and tents. Accommodation application is available through our PICMI job application link. Please refer to the PICMI link at the bottom of the page.
Advanced Horticulture is looking for approximately 30 reliable cherry pickers to join our team based in Lowburn, Cromwell for our January cherry harvest.
There will be multiple start dates throughout January, with the first start date being 5th of January 2027. Other available January start dates can be viewed in our PICMI application.
This is a great short-term seasonal opportunity for people who enjoy working outdoors, staying active, being part of a team, and taking pride in doing a good job. You will be joining a young, newly established cherry orchard and working alongside our team to carefully harvest and handle high-quality cherries.
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 Central Cherry Orchard
Central Cherry Orchard is based approx. 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 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 stage of the harvest, duties may include:
Carefully picking ripe cherries from the trees
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 the 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, reaching, and carrying equipment or picking buckets throughout the day.
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 on site, please make sure you apply through our PICMI job application link and include 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 outdoors for extended periods
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 January harvest period
Positive, hardworking, and respectful of others
Previous cherry-picking or orchard experience is an advantage but 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 taking care to maintain 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. With on-site accommodation and a location just minutes from Cromwell, it is also a convenient option for seasonal workers travelling through Central Otago.
How to Apply
To apply for the January cherry harvest, please use the PICMI application link below and complete the online application form.
Please make sure your contact details, availability, and accommodation requirements are accurate and up to date, as these will be used when contacting applicants about the harvest.
We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to our team!
Job Requirements
You must be an NZ citizen, NZ resident or hold a valid NZ work visa. Your application will not be processed without the correct rights to work in NZ.

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