Top Farm Work Hotspots in Australia and New Zealand: Where to Go and When

If you’re planning a working holiday in Australia or New Zealand, chances are that farm work is on your radar. You’ll need to know where and when the top farm work hotspots in Australia and New Zealand start. Whether you’re fruit picking in Queensland, tending vineyards in New Zealand’s South Island, or harvesting grapes in the Barossa Valley, agricultural jobs can be a fantastic way to fund your travels.

Regional work also helps you meet other backpackers, make friends for life, and—if you’re in Australia—qualify for a second or third year on your working holiday visa.

But here’s the thing: to get the best jobs, you need to be in the right place at the right time. That’s where this guide to the top farm work hotspots in Australia and New Zealand comes in. 

Here’s Go Walkabout’s guide to walk you through the top farm work hotspots in both Australia and New Zealand. Read about when their peak seasons fall and why working holiday travel insurance is a must before you grab your hat and boots.

If you’re new to the idea of agricultural work abroad, check out our full overview: Farm Work in Australia and New Zealand.

Best Farm Work Hotspots in Australia

Queensland – Tropical Fruit Picking & Harvests

Season: November to May
Jobs: Mangoes, bananas, avocados
Where: Cairns, Mareeba, Bowen

Queensland’s warm climate results in extended harvest seasons, particularly in the tropical north. Backpackers flock here for mango picking in summer, often followed by banana and avocado harvests.

New South Wales – Grapes & Berries

Season: December to April
Jobs: Vineyards, blueberries, strawberries
Where: Hunter Valley, Coffs Harbour

The Hunter Valley offers vineyard work during summer, while the Coffs Harbour region is famous for its blueberries and strawberries.

Victoria – Vineyards & Orchards

Season: February to May
Jobs: Grapes, apples, stone fruit
Where: Yarra Valley, Mildura

Victoria’s wine regions are perfect for vineyard work, while apple and pear picking kicks off in late summer.

South Australia – Wine & Citrus

Season: January to April
Jobs: Grapes, oranges, lemons
Where: Barossa Valley, Riverland

From world-famous wineries to sunny citrus orchards, South Australia is ideal for combining work with wine tasting on your days off.

Western Australia – Grapes, Citrus & Vegetables

Season: November to May
Jobs: Vineyards, citrus farms, and vegetable picking
Where: Margaret River, Kununurra

Western Australia’s diverse climate means varied farm jobs. Margaret River is famous for wine, while the far north’s Kununurra region grows mangoes and melons.

Best Farm Work Hotspots in New Zealand

North Island – Kiwi Fruit & Apples

Season: March to June
Jobs: Kiwi fruit picking, apple harvest
Where: Bay of Plenty (Tauranga), Hawke’s Bay

The Bay of Plenty is the heart of kiwi fruit production, while Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s apple capital.

South Island – Vineyards, Cherries & Berries

Season: November to February
Jobs: Grapes, cherries, strawberries
Where: Marlborough, Central Otago

Perfect for summer work, the South Island offers breathtaking landscapes and the chance to work in the country’s most scenic vineyards.

Year-Round Farm Work

Beyond harvest jobs, dairy farms across both islands often need workers year-round. These roles are ideal if you want to settle in one place for the long term.

When to Go: Harvest Calendar for Australia & New Zealand

Timing is everything for seasonal farm work. Use our harvest calendar below to plan your working holiday route around the top farm work hotspots in Australia and New Zealand. You can follow the seasons—and the jobs—across both countries!

Tips for Farm Work Success

Landing a farm job is only the start — thriving in the role (and enjoying the experience) takes a bit of planning and preparation. Here are some tried-and-tested tips to help you succeed:

• Arrive early for the season – The best jobs often get snapped up quickly, so turning up before harvest kicks off gives you a much better chance of securing steady work. Being flexible about location also helps — the harvest moves across different regions, and following it can keep you employed for longer.
• Pack the right gear – Farm work can be tough on both you and your kit. Sturdy boots, a wide-brimmed hat, gloves, and high-factor sunscreen are must-haves to protect you from long days in the sun. Lightweight clothing that covers your skin is also a smart choice for comfort and protection.
• Build your network – Word of mouth is one of the most effective ways to hear about new opportunities. Chat with fellow travellers in hostels, join Facebook groups, and keep an ear out in local backpacker communities — you never know when someone will point you towards your next job.
• Ask for help – Companies like JENZA are excellent at giving people a head start when they need it. Use these resources to help you find work and travel at the same time.
• Look after your health and fitness – Picking fruit, pruning vines, or herding livestock is no small feat. Staying hydrated, eating well, and keeping up your fitness make the work far more manageable. For more advice, check out our guide: Stay Healthy on a Working Holiday.
• Stay positive and adaptable – The work can be repetitive and tiring, but maintaining a good attitude and showing up reliably will earn you respect from employers (and might even get you recommended for your next gig).

Why You Need Working Holiday Travel Insurance

It’s tempting to skip insurance when you’re trying to stretch your budget, but a single accident or illness could cost you thousands. With working holiday travel insurance, including the right level of work pack, you’re covered for:

• Medical emergencies and hospital care
• Accidents and injuries on the farm
• Loss or theft of belongings
• Early return home if you’re unable to work

Here are a few jobs of this type and the Work Packs that they fit into:

Work Pack 1 – Working at an animal sanctuary with farm animals, farm labourer with no use of machinery or contact with livestock, and fruit picking without the use of machinery.

Work Pack 2 – Farm labourer using a tractor, machinery, or working with livestock, farm manager, fence erector (with use of chainsaw), forestry officer, fruit picking with machinery.

Work Pack 3 – Fish farmer, forklift truck driver, horse riding instructor, stable hand.

Work Pack 4 – Horse dentistry, mustering cattle on horseback, and gardening with the use of heavy machinery.

Some employers even require proof of insurance before you start. Avoid costly pitfalls by reading: Common Mistakes That Can Invalidate Your Travel Insurance.

Plan, Pack, and Protect Your Adventure

The right farm work in the right season can make your working holiday unforgettable—not just for the pay, but for the friendships, skills, and experiences you’ll gain.

So grab your boots, check the harvest calendar, and protect yourself with a Go Walkabout Working Holiday Travel Insurance policy before you go. Then all that’s left is to enjoy life in the sun, working hard, and exploring even harder.

Ready to start your adventure? Get a quick travel insurance quote here!