Seasonal works accommodation & job search in Motueka

Happy Apple Backpackers welcomes all seasonal workers to the hostel and offers long term discount rates in all our rooms, tents and van parking.

Please contact us direct for prices: Ph: 03 5288652 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We help you to find work in the area while you stay at Happy Apple Backpackers, from apple picking to pack houses there is something for everyone. Meet other travellers who are here to work and share the cost of transport to and from work.

You will find everything you need at Happy Apple Backpackers for your home away from home working holiday.

Apples

Debudding: September - November
Thining: September - December
Pruning:  June - August
Harvest:  February - May

Hours of work are 6-9 hours per day 6 days a week depending on weather. Pay is per bin and rates vary depending on apple type and orchard.
Rates are between $24.50 - $32 per bin. People new to picking can usually fill 3-4 bins per day in their first couple of weeks. Like most things, the more you do something, the better you get at it. After about a month of picking, the average picker will fill 5-7 bins per day. Experienced pickers can even reach 8-10 bins on a good day.

Kiwifruit Picking

Deblossoming: September
Thining: September - October
Harvest: November - December

Grapes

Pruning: June - July
Planting: June - July
Netting: Jan - Feb
Harvest: March - April

Hourly wage or contract work depending on the employer contract work is per plant.

Hops

Planting: September
Training: October - November
Harvest: February - March