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In this guide, we’ll share the best companies to work for in summer jobs in New Zealand, along with tips on how to land your ideal role and make the most of your summer adventure.
Top 10 Best Companies for Summer Jobs in New Zealand
Below are ten standout employers recognized for offering rewarding seasonal and summer work experiences across various industries. These companies have strong reputations for fair treatment, exciting work environments, and plenty of perks.
1. AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand
About: AJ Hackett Bungy is New Zealand’s most iconic adventure tourism brand, offering adrenaline-filled experiences like bungy jumping, zip rides, and sky swings. With locations in Queenstown and Taupō, they’re a magnet for thrill-seeking tourists and often recruit energetic staff for the busy summer season.
Summer Roles:
- Jump crew members
- Guest service staff
- Safety and operations assistants
- Sales and bookings team
- Photographers and videographers
Why It’s a Top Pick:
Apply: AJ Hackett Bungy Careers
2. Tourism Holdings Limited (thl)
About: As New Zealand’s largest provider of motorhome rentals, thl operates brands like Maui, Britz, and Mighty, which are great for travelers who also want to explore local agriculture, including vegetables. They also manage attractions such as Waitomo Caves and Kiwi Experience, offering a wide variety of seasonal positions in horticulture and the vegetable industries nationwide.
Summer Roles:
- Vehicle groomers
- Rental service assistants
- Reservations agents
- Customer service reps
- Tour guides
Why It’s a Top Pick:
Apply: thl Careers
3. SkyCity Entertainment Group
About: SkyCity is a major player in New Zealand’s entertainment and hospitality industry, with casinos, hotels, and restaurants in Auckland, Hamilton, and Queenstown. Their diverse operations mean they hire hundreds during the holidays.
Summer Roles:
- Hotel front desk and concierge staff
- Baristas and restaurant servers
- Casino hosts and attendants
- Kitchen hands and chefs
- Housekeeping and room service
Why It’s a Top Pick:
Apply: SkyCity Careers
4. RealNZ (formerly Real Journeys)
About: RealNZ operates scenic cruises, tours, and experiences in some of New Zealand’s most iconic locations, including Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Queenstown. They're known for eco-tourism and high-quality guest experiences.
Summer Roles:
- Nature guides and tour crew
- Guest service assistants
- Dock and vessel crew
- Housekeeping and hospitality staff
- Booking and reservations agents
Why It’s a Top Pick:
Apply: RealNZ Careers
5. PYO (Pick Your Own) Orchards & Vineyards
About: Seasonal PYO fruit-picking jobs, including avocado picking, are a classic Kiwi summer experience, especially in regions like Hawke’s Bay, Central Otago, and Marlborough. Work typically involves harvesting fruits like cherries, kiwifruit, or grapes, as well as pruning during the season.
Summer Roles:
- Fruit pickers
- Packers and sorters
- Forklift operators
- Tractor drivers
- Farm assistants
Why It’s a Top Pick:
Apply: Check PickNZ for seasonal orchard jobs.
6. NZ Ski Ltd
About: Operating top ski fields like Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Mt Hutt, NZ Ski offers employment not only in winter but also in summer maintenance, events, and hospitality roles.
Summer Roles:
- Lift maintenance crew
- Groundskeepers
- Food and beverage staff
- Guest services
- Mountain bike trail staff
Why It’s a Top Pick:
Apply: NZ Ski Jobs
7. Zespri International
About: Zespri is the world’s largest marketer of kiwifruit and also hires seasonal workers for jobs such as milk harvesting across growing regions like the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne. These roles support their large-scale harvest and logistics operations.
Summer Roles:
- Orchard quality checkers
- Packhouse staff
- Logistics and admin support
- Sample collectors
- R&D field assistants
Why It’s a Top Pick:
Apply: Zespri Careers
8. YHA New Zealand Hostels
About: YHA (Youth Hostels Association) offers budget-friendly accommodation across the country. Their hostels are especially busy in summer, drawing international backpackers and domestic travellers alike.
Summer Roles:
- Front desk receptionists
- Housekeepers
- Kitchen and cleaning assistants
- Tour booking support
- Night managers
Why It’s a Top Pick:
Apply: YHA Jobs
9. Rhythm and Vines Festival
About: One of New Zealand’s biggest music festivals, Rhythm and Vines, is held annually in Gisborne and attracts thousands of attendees. Each year, it hires hundreds of short-term staff to support operations.
Summer Roles:
- Bar and beverage staff
- Ticketing and wristband crew
- Set-up and pack-down crew
- Waste and recycling teams
- Guest services and crowd control
Why It’s a Top Pick:
Apply: R&V Staff Sign-up
10. Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle
About: Based in Kaiteriteri, this company provides scenic boat transport into the stunning Abel Tasman National Park. Their summer operations ramp up significantly with high visitor numbers.
Summer Roles:
- Boat crew and deckhands
- Café assistants
- Reservation and booking agents
- Beach pick-up support
- Kayak and gear rental helpers
Why It’s a Top Pick:
Apply: Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle Jobs
How to Apply for a Summer Job in New Zealand: A Step-by-Step Guide
Looking to work and travel in New Zealand during the summer? Whether you're a student, backpacker, or temporary visa holder, summer jobs in New Zealand offer a unique opportunity to earn money while exploring one of the world’s most beautiful countries and enriching your life.
This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process, from preparing your documents to landing the job.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility to Work in New Zealand
Before applying for any job, you must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Check the following options:
- New Zealand Citizens and Residents can work freely without any additional permits.
- Working Holiday Visa Holders from eligible countries can work for up to 12 months (or 23 months for the UK/Canada).
- Student Visa Holders can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks (e.g., summer holidays).
- Temporary Work Visa Holders must ensure their visa includes work rights.
Step 2: Decide What Type of Summer Job You Want
Summer jobs in New Zealand are popular in industries such as:
- Agriculture & Fruit Picking (e.g., apples, kiwifruit, grapes)
- Hospitality & Tourism (e.g., restaurants, hotels, resorts)
- Retail & Customer Service
- Events & Festivals
- Adventure Tourism (bungy jumping, rafting, tour guiding)
Pick a role that matches your skill set, location preference, and physical capacity (especially for outdoor or manual labor roles).
Step 3: Prepare Your CV (New Zealand Style)
A well-written CV tailored for the New Zealand job market is essential.
Tips for a NZ-style CV:
- Keep it concise: ideally 1–2 pages.
- Start with a short personal summary.
- Highlight relevant work experience.
- Include references (or mention they’re available on request).
- Avoid photos or personal details like marital status or religion.
Step 4: Write a Strong Cover Letter
For each job application, write a custom cover letter that:
- Addresses the hiring manager (if known)
- Explains why you’re interested in the position
- Highlight how your experience fits the role
- Shows enthusiasm and a positive attitude
A tailored cover letter significantly increases your chances of landing an interview.
Step 5: Search and Apply for Summer Jobs Online
Here are some popular job websites to search for summer work in New Zealand:
- Seek
- Trade Me Jobs
- Backpacker Board NZ
- Seasonal Jobs NZ
- Student Job Search
- Company career pages (e.g., Countdown, Mitre 10, Fonterra)
Step 6: Apply Directly to Employers
Once you find suitable roles:
- Submit your application through the company’s portal or via email.
- Follow application instructions carefully (some may require additional info).
- Use a professional email address and check your email regularly.
Many roles are filled quickly, so don’t delay once you find a good opportunity.
Step 7: Prepare for the Job Interview
If shortlisted, you may be contacted for a phone, video, or in-person interview.
Tips for Success:
- Research the company
- Practice answering common interview questions
- Dress appropriately—even for online calls
- Show your flexibility and willingness to learn
For hospitality and tourism jobs, strong communication and customer service skills are key!
Step 8: Provide Necessary Documentation
Once you’re offered a job, you’ll need to supply:
- Proof of work rights (visa or residency)
- IRD (Inland Revenue) number for tax purposes
- New Zealand bank account details
You can apply for an IRD number online via the Inland Revenue website.
Step 9: Understand Your Employment Rights
Familiarize yourself with your legal rights under New Zealand employment law:
- You are entitled to minimum wage (as of 2025, $23.15/hr – check latest rate)
- You should receive a written employment agreement
- You are entitled to rest and meal breaks
- You must be paid for all hours worked
🔗 Employment NZ is a great resource for understanding your rights.
Step 10: Start Working and Enjoy the Kiwi Experience
Once everything is sorted, it’s time to start your summer job and enjoy what New Zealand has to offer.
Pro Tips:
- Be punctual and respectful. Kiwis value a laid-back but professional attitude.
- Network with locals and travelers alike.
- Explore the outdoors, hike, swim, road-trip, and experience Maori culture.
Tips for Landing a Summer Job in New Zealand
Landing the right summer job takes a little planning. Here are some practical tips to help you secure the best gig:
- Apply Early: Summer roles fill up fast. Many companies start hiring as early as September for December start dates.
- Perfect Your CV: Create a clear, NZ-style CV. Keep it concise (1–2 pages), highlight relevant experience, and always include referees.
- Use Trusted Platforms: Websites like Backpacker Board, Seek, or Trade Me Jobs are great for finding seasonal work.
- Have the Right Visa: If you’re not a NZ citizen or resident, you’ll usually need a Working Holiday Visa. Check visa requirements on the NZ Immigration website.
- Be Flexible & Reliable: Seasonal employers value team players who can commit to varied hours, weekends, and public holidays.
Final Thoughts
Working a summer job in New Zealand can create numerous job opportunities and be one of the most rewarding ways to see this beautiful country up close and enrich your life. Whether you’re greeting adventure tourists in Queenstown, harvesting grapes in Marlborough, or working behind the scenes at a world-famous music festival, each role adds skills, friendships, and unforgettable experiences to your story.
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