25 Jobs Surprisingly Easy to Get in New Zealand

1. Food Manufacturing

In high demand from Auckland to Hokitika and many more amazing locations across the North and South Islands, food manufacturing roles such as packers, baggers, trimmers, cleaners and product handlers are easy jobs to get in New Zealand. These seasonal jobs give working holidaymakers, backpackers and students the opportunity to make some quick money for a minimum of one month (and with pay above minimum wage), so it’s easy to fund the next NZ adventure. Work with a team of like-minded individuals. Plus, if you want to stay on, global food marketing businesses like Silver Fern Farms strive to continuously upskill their staff and provide an excellent opportunity for long-term work with a progressive company.

Check out jobs with Silver Fern Farms today over at careers.silverfernfarms.com.

© Silver Fern Farms

2. Bartender

Unlike many other countries, a bar manager in New Zealand has to hold a special bartending license or certificate. But being a bartender in many places requires little experience (and a three-day bartender course in Auckland with Barista Academy will give you a boost, especially if you’re just starting out). Most of the time, bartending jobs are gained by having a certain personality, and then you will learn the skills on the job. It’s likely that you will have a hard time getting a job as a bartender if you don’t speak English well, so consider studying English before applying. Other than that, being a bartender with an accent is probably one of the best jobs in New Zealand.

Find bartending positions on our Job Listings page.

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3. Construction Worker

Often advertised through recruitment agencies, construction jobs are one of the easiest jobs to get in the country. With a booming housing market and the rebuilding of both Christchurch and Kaikoura, helping hands-on construction sites are badly needed. Expect higher than your average pay, no experience required, and an immediate start. If you are still feeling stressed about landing that job, check out more information on how to get a job in New Zealand in How to Quickly Find a Job in New Zealand.

Find construction positions on our Job Listings page.

© Pxhere

4. Picker or Packer

Probably the easiest type of job in New Zealand to get! When New Zealand hits picking season, there is a huge demand for willing workers to head to the fields and harvest all sorts of fruit, from grapes to apples to kiwifruit and even stone fruits. Transportation and availability are pretty much all that’s required from you. Can you get to this place at this time? If yes, you can become a fruit picker! See Working a Fruit Picking Job in New Zealand for more details.

Find fruit-picking positions on our Job Listings page.

© NZPocketGuide.com

5. Brewery Worker

With more than 160 breweries in New Zealand, you’ll get many opportunities to work in microbreweries around the country. Should it simply be as a helping hand cleaning around the factory, a bottler checker or a packer, interviews are simply a discussion about beer just to get a good vibe from you. When asking what is the best place to work in New Zealand, breweries are often on top of the list for their good vibes alone.

Find brewery positions on our Job Listings page.

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6. Farming Hand

Farming is one of the largest industries in New Zealand, so it comes as no surprise that a couple of agricultural jobs make it onto this list. First up is farming hands. Helping out with almost everything from fencing to lambing will be a huge relief to the farmer who hires you. The interview process? Expect a few questions about your work ethic and your ability to work early morning. Learn more about what to expect from farming jobs in our guides to Seasonal Work in New Zealand’s Dairy Industry and 11 Reasons Why Everyone Should Work On a New Zealand Farm.

Find farming positions on our Job Listings page.

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7. WWOOFer

WWOOFing or working for accommodation is a huge thing in New Zealand. It’s a much more casual agreement between workers and employers mostly based on a reciprocal exchange of services (but you still need an agreement in writing, as explained in Working for Accommodation & Food in New Zealand: What are Your Rights?) It’s a lifestyle more than a career but we guarantee that the experience will be memorable. For this kind of job, aside from a profile on one of the WWOOFing websites and a few messages, you won’t need much effort in the job application stage.

Find WWOOFing positions on our Job Listings page.

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8. Fundraiser

If you feel like having valuable work experience in your CV after your gap year, consider doing something for a good cause like fundraising. In helping major non-profit organisations raise funds for their different campaigns you will earn a great income, feel good about your job, and be able to add a great asset to your CV that will stand out when hitting the job market back home. More information on the latter can be found in our guide, How to Use a Gap Year as Valuable Experience on Your CV/Resume.

Find fundraising positions on our Job Listings page.

© Unicef New Zealand

9. Tourism Jobs

One of New Zealand’s largest industries provides jobs for thousands of international travellers each year. The ability to speak multiple languages and relate to international travellers is very much needed in New Zealand for jobs such as receptionist, front-of-house, guides, promo staff, etc. Again, good vibes and a great personality are all you need in many circumstances to get one of the best jobs in New Zealand. These jobs can be super easy to land, especially with our guide on How to Quickly Find a Job in New Zealand.

Find tourism positions on our Job Listings page.

© NZPocketGuide.com

10. Housekeeper

Although tourism jobs are easy to get in New Zealand there is probably no job easier to get than housekeeping. With a huge amount of accommodations available countrywide, hotels, motels, hostels, resorts and holiday parks are constantly looking for staff to help them get their rooms ready for their next guests. No experience needed, just a keen eye for detail and a bit of time management skills.

Find housekeeping positions on our Job Listings page.

© Pixabay

11. Au Pair

We are closing this list of easy-to-get jobs in New Zealand with what is probably the most iconic gap year job: au pair. Especially in demand early in the year, au pair jobs are incredibly easy to get as they are often handed to au pair agencies that will make sure you fit the job. Driving training, first aid course and a profile will be provided so you are matched with your perfect family. Learn more about au pair agencies in our guide to Being an Au Pair in New Zealand.

Find au pair positions on our Job Listings page.

© Pixabay

12. Ski Resort Staff

Landing a job at a ski resort offers not just employment but a unique lifestyle experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the winter sports culture of New Zealand. Positions range from ski instructors, who teach guests of all ages how to ski or snowboard, to lift operators and hospitality roles that keep the resort running smoothly. These jobs often come with perks like free or discounted access to ski facilities, making it an excellent choice for those who love the snow. Working in such environments also fosters a tight-knit community vibe, offering a great way to make lasting friendships.

Find ski resort positions on our Job Listings page.

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13. Restaurant/Cafe Staff

Working in restaurants and cafes is a fantastic way to dive into New Zealand’s vibrant food scene, with roles available for waitstaff, baristas, and kitchen hands. These positions offer flexible scheduling, which is perfect for backpackers looking to balance work and exploration. It’s also a great platform for developing customer service skills and understanding the hospitality industry, all while earning tips. Plus, it provides a social atmosphere where you can meet locals and fellow travelers alike.

Find cafe jobs on our Job Listings page.

© NZPocketGuide.com

14. Retail Assistant

As a retail assistant in New Zealand’s shops and malls, especially in areas with high tourist traffic, you’ll help customers find what they’re looking for and ensure a pleasant shopping experience. This role is ideal for those who enjoy interacting with people and want to improve their communication and sales skills. Working in retail also offers a unique insight into New Zealand’s consumer culture and trends. Flexible hours and the opportunity to work in various locations make this a versatile option for backpackers.

Find retail jobs on our Job Listings page.

© WellingtonNZ

15. Event Staff

Being part of the event staff at festivals, concerts, and sports events in New Zealand means you’re at the heart of the excitement, assisting with setup, operations, and takedown. These roles can vary, offering experiences in security, ticketing, or even backstage support, providing a behind-the-scenes look at event management. Short-term contracts or day jobs offer flexibility, making it easy to work around your travel plans. It’s an excellent opportunity to see different parts of the country and be part of memorable events.

Find event gigs on our Job Listings page.

© DunedinNZ

5 More Easy Jobs to Get For Backpackers in New Zealand

But wait, there’s more! The country’s diverse economy and welcoming attitude towards travellers mean there are plenty of job opportunities that don’t require long-term commitments, making them perfect for those looking to earn while they explore. From the bustling streets of Auckland to the serene vistas of Queenstown, here are five more easy jobs to get that are ideal for backpackers seeking to immerse themselves in New Zealand’s culture and community while maintaining the flexibility to journey across this breathtaking country.

16. Vineyard Worker – Help in vineyards, especially in regions like Marlborough and Central Otago.
17. Landscaping and Gardening – Maintenance work for businesses and private residences.
18. Delivery Driver – For restaurants, courier companies, and postal services.
19. Warehouse Staff – Picking, packing, and other roles in distribution centers.
20. Teaching or Tutoring – If you have a strong background in a particular subject or are a native speaker of a language (like English, French, Spanish, etc.), you could find work as a tutor for students or even offer casual language lessons.

Check out our Job Listings page for more.

© ChristchurchNZ

5 More Great Jobs for Backpacking Creators in NZ

For the creative souls wandering through Aotearoa, blending work with passion is more than a possibility—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re capturing the majestic scenery, crafting stories, or sharing experiences, there are jobs that not only fund your travels but enrich your creative journey. Here are 5 more great jobs tailored for backpacking creators in New Zealand, offering the chance to weave your creativity into your work while soaking in the unparalleled beauty and culture of New Zealand.

21. Travel Blogger/Content Creator – For those who can monetize their travel experiences online, though this may require building up a platform first.
22. Freelance Work/Remote Work – With skills in areas such as graphic design, writing, programming, or digital marketing, you could pick up freelance jobs that allow you to work from anywhere, fitting work around your travel plans.
23. Photography – For skilled photographers, opportunities might include selling your photographs to stock image websites, working for local newspapers, or offering services for events and weddings.
24. Musical Gigs in Bars, Pubs, and Cafés – Musicians and bands often find opportunities to perform in bars, pubs, and cafés around New Zealand. These venues are always on the lookout for new and entertaining acts to draw in crowds. Whether you’re a solo artist, part of a band, or a DJ, there are numerous chances to land gigs. Networking with local musicians and venue owners can be a key way to find these opportunities. It’s also beneficial to have a demo or portfolio of your performances to showcase your talent to potential venues.
25. Yoga Instructor or Fitness Trainer – If you’re certified, you could lead classes in yoga studios, gyms, or even host private sessions or workshops for various fitness activities.

© NZPocketGuide.com