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Cherry Picker - January Harvest

Advanced Horticulture LtdOrchard WorkerWaikerikeri, Alexandra, Otago2w ago
Cherry Pickers Wanted – January Harvest
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 160 reliable cherry pickers to join our team for the January harvest at Central Cherry Orchard in the Waikerikeri Valley, near Alexandra.
There will be various 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 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 January 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.
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 and availability 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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