If you’re a foreigner looking to work in New Zealand, unskilled jobs are a fantastic way to earn money while experiencing the country’s stunning landscapes and welcoming culture. These entry-level roles require little to no prior experience, making them perfect for beginners, backpackers, or those on a Working Holiday Visa.
From picking fruit in sunny orchards to serving drinks in lively pubs, New Zealand’s job market offers plenty of opportunities. In this guide, written in a friendly, beginner-focused tone, we’ll list the most accessible unskilled jobs for foreigners in 2025, explain what they involve, and share tips on how to get started.
Why Choose Unskilled Jobs in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, tourism, and hospitality, creating a strong demand for unskilled workers. These jobs are ideal for foreigners because:
- No Experience Needed: Most roles require only a willingness to learn and a positive attitude.
- Flexible Options: Choose casual, seasonal, or full-time work to suit your travel plans.
- Cultural Immersion: Work alongside locals and travelers, soaking up the Kiwi way of life.
- Fair Wages: New Zealand’s minimum wage is $23.15 per hour (as of 2025), with many unskilled jobs paying $25–$35/hour.
Whether you’re in Auckland, Christchurch, or rural Hawke’s Bay, there’s a job waiting for you. Let’s dive into the list of unskilled jobs available to foreigners.
1. Agriculture and Horticulture Jobs
New Zealand’s agricultural sector is a major employer of unskilled workers, especially during harvest seasons. These jobs are physically demanding but rewarding, often set in beautiful rural areas.
- Fruit Picking: Harvest apples, kiwis, berries, or grapes in regions like Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty, or Marlborough. No experience is needed, just stamina and a willingness to work outdoors. Seasonal work peaks in summer (December–February).
- Farm Worker: Assist with planting, weeding, or tending livestock on dairy, sheep, or crop farms. Roles are common in Canterbury and Otago, with some employers offering accommodation.
- Vineyard Worker: Work in wine regions like Marlborough or Central Otago, pruning vines or harvesting grapes. These jobs are popular with backpackers and often include visa sponsorship.
How to Find These Jobs: Check PickNZ (picknz.co.nz) or Seasonal Work NZ (seasonalwork.co.nz) for listings. Recruitment agencies like AWF or Tradestaff also connect workers with farm jobs.
2. Hospitality and Tourism Jobs
New Zealand’s tourism industry thrives in cities like Queenstown, Rotorua, and Auckland, offering plenty of hospitality roles for foreigners.
- Café Assistant: Serve food, make coffee, or handle customer service in cafés or restaurants. Basic barista skills are a plus but not required, as many employers train on the job.
- Bartender: Pour drinks in pubs, bars, or clubs. You may need a License Controller Qualification (LCQ), a short course costing about $150–$200. High-demand areas include Wellington and Queenstown.
- Kitchen Hand: Wash dishes, prep ingredients, or clean kitchens in restaurants or hotels. These roles are fast-paced and widely available in tourist hotspots.
- Hotel Housekeeping: Clean guest rooms and common areas in hotels, motels, or lodges. Flexible hours make this ideal for travelers.
How to Find These Jobs: Search SEEK (seek.co.nz), Indeed (nz.indeed.com), or Hospo Jobs NZ (hospojobs.nz). Visit bars and cafés in person with your CV to show initiative.
3. Retail and Customer Service Jobs
Retail jobs are abundant in New Zealand’s cities and tourist areas, offering a chance to interact with locals and visitors.
- Sales Assistant: Help customers, stock shelves, or manage inventory in stores like supermarkets, clothing shops, or souvenir outlets. Auckland and Christchurch have the most openings.
- Cashier/Checkout Operator: Operate tills and handle transactions in supermarkets or retail chains like Countdown or The Warehouse. Basic math skills are enough to start.
- Customer Service Representative: Answer inquiries in retail settings or call centers. Good communication skills are key, but training is provided.
How to Find These Jobs: Browse Trade Me Jobs (trademe.co.nz/jobs) or Jora (nz.jora.com). Large retailers like Woolworths NZ often post openings on their websites.
4. Manufacturing and Logistics Jobs
New Zealand’s logistics and manufacturing sectors are growing, especially in urban and agricultural regions.
- Warehouse Labourer: Sort, pack, or load goods in distribution centers or food warehouses. Roles like pick-packer or dispatch worker are common in Auckland, Hamilton, and Christchurch.
- Food Processing Worker: Package meat, dairy, or produce in factories. These jobs are prevalent in regions like Canterbury, where food exports are big.
- Factory Hand: Perform general tasks like assembling products or cleaning equipment in manufacturing plants. No experience is needed, but attention to detail helps.
How to Find These Jobs: Recruitment agencies like Alignz Recruitment or OneStaff specialize in logistics roles. Check SEEK or Indeed for direct listings from companies like Mainfreight or Foodstuffs.
5. Construction and Labouring Jobs
New Zealand’s construction industry is booming, especially in Auckland and Christchurch, creating demand for unskilled labourers.
- General Labourer: Carry materials, clean sites, or assist tradespeople on construction projects. Physical fitness is essential, but no prior skills are required.
- Builder’s Labourer: Support builders with tasks like digging or moving equipment. High demand exists in post-earthquake rebuild areas like Christchurch.
- Scaffolder/Spanner Hand: Help set up or dismantle scaffolding. A Site Safe certification (a short safety course) may be required.
- Concrete Labourer: Assist with pouring or finishing concrete on building sites. These roles are physically demanding but widely available.
How to Find These Jobs: Contact agencies like AWF or Tradestaff, which focus on construction and labouring roles. SEEK and Trade Me Jobs also list these positions.
6. Cleaning and Maintenance Jobs
Cleaning jobs are easy to find and offer flexible hours, making them great for foreigners.
- Commercial/Residential Cleaner: Clean offices, homes, or public spaces like schools. No experience is needed, just reliability and attention to detail.
- Building Maintenance: Perform basic upkeep tasks like minor repairs or groundskeeping in commercial properties or apartment complexes.
- Groundskeeper/Gardener: Maintain parks, gardens, or private properties by mowing lawns, weeding, or planting. Roles are common with local councils like Auckland Council.
How to Find These Jobs: Check local council websites or job boards like Indeed. Small cleaning companies often advertise on community boards or Facebook groups like “NZ Backpacker Jobs.”
Step-by-Step Tips to Land These Jobs
To secure an unskilled job in New Zealand, follow these beginner-friendly steps:
- Get the Right Visa: The Working Holiday Visa is ideal for most unskilled jobs, allowing 12 months of work (or 23 months for UK citizens) for those aged 18–30 (or 35 for some countries). Check eligibility on immigration.govt.nz. For longer-term roles, look for employers offering Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) sponsorship.
- Build Basic Skills: Focus on physical fitness, teamwork, and basic English for workplace communication. Short courses like Site Safe (for construction) or LCQ (for bartending) can boost your chances.
- Craft a Simple CV: Highlight any physical or customer-facing experience, even if informal. Emphasize soft skills like reliability and enthusiasm. Include your visa status and availability.
- Search Actively:
- Use job portals like SEEK, Indeed, or Trade Me Jobs.
- Register with recruitment agencies like AWF, Tradestaff, or OneStaff.
- Network through backpacker groups or visit businesses in person with your CV.
- Prepare for Interviews: Expect questions about your work ethic or ability to handle physical tasks. Show enthusiasm and ask about training opportunities.
- Understand the Work Environment: Most jobs involve physical work, variable hours, and teamwork. Invest in proper gear like work boots or weatherproof clothing.
Key Considerations for Foreigners
- High-Demand Regions: Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown offer the most jobs, but rural areas like Hawke’s Bay or Bay of Plenty are great for seasonal work.
- Seasonal Peaks: Summer (December–February) and winter (June–August) are busy for agriculture and tourism jobs. Retail and warehouse jobs spike before Christmas.
- Visa Sponsorship: Some employers in agriculture, logistics, or hospitality sponsor AEWVs for reliable workers. Ask during interviews if sponsorship is available.
- Living Costs: Budget for accommodation and transport, as cities like Auckland can be pricey. Rural jobs may include housing, saving you money.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Job Competition: Unskilled jobs are popular among backpackers. Apply early, follow up with employers, and be open to rural locations.
- Language Barriers: If English isn’t your first language, practice basic phrases with apps like Duolingo. Most Kiwis are patient with non-native speakers.
- Physical Demands: Pace yourself to avoid burnout. Follow safety guidelines and invest in comfortable work gear.
Final Tips for Success
- Be Flexible: Take on casual or seasonal roles to build experience and connections.
- Stay Positive: A can-do attitude is highly valued in New Zealand’s job market.
- Plan Your Adventure: Use your earnings to travel to places like Fiordland or Rotorua, balancing work with the Kiwi experience.
Conclusion
Unskilled jobs in New Zealand offer foreigners a chance to earn money, meet people, and live in one of the world’s most beautiful countries. From fruit picking in Hawke’s Bay to bartending in Queenstown, these beginner-friendly roles are accessible with the right visa and a proactive approach. Start your journey by checking job portals, contacting recruitment agencies, and showing your enthusiasm. With this guide, you’re ready to find the perfect unskilled job and make unforgettable memories in New Zealand!
