Find Work in Tauranga.Work, Stay & Explore at Wanderlust NZ

Want to earn money while travelling New Zealand? Keen to meet other backpackers, experience Kiwi life and save up for your next adventure?

Wanderlust NZ helps travellers find work in Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty, with local employer connections, affordable weekly accommodation rates and a social hostel right on the waterfront.

We've been helping backpackers connect with local work opportunities since 2004. From kiwifruit orchards and packhouses to hospitality and labouring jobs, we receive job enquiries from local businesses and help connect suitable guests with potential employers.

Our aim is simple: help you settle in, find out what work is available, meet your new travel crew and make the most of your time in New Zealand.

Work hard. Save some cash. Make lifelong friends. Keep the adventure going!

What Jobs Can You Find in Tauranga?

The Bay of Plenty is one of New Zealand's key horticultural regions, making Tauranga a great base for travellers looking for seasonal work. We also hear about opportunities in hospitality, labouring and other local industries.

Jobs depend on the season, current vacancies and employer requirements, but here are some of the opportunities you may be able to access through our local connections.

🥝 Kiwifruit Orchard Work

The kiwifruit industry offers several seasonal opportunities throughout the year.

• Bud thinning: Starts early Octobter, when workers remove excess buds from kiwifruit vines.

• Kiwifruit picking: The main harvest generally runs from mid March into early June, depending on the season and weather.

• Packhouse work: Help sort, pack and prepare fruit for export during the busy harvest period.

• Winter pruning and other orchard jobs: Opportunities may be available outside the main harvest, depending on local demand.

Many orchard roles involve physical outdoor work and early starts. You don't always need previous experience, but you do need to be reliable, motivated and ready to work as part of a team.

🍻 Hospitality Jobs

Love meeting people? Hospitality could be a great fit.

Local cafés, restaurants, bars and accommodation businesses sometimes need waitstaff, baristas, kitchen hands, dishwashers and housekeeping staff.

Some roles are suitable for shorter stays, while others prefer a commitment of around three months or longer. Previous experience and suitable English skills may be required, depending on the position.

🔨 Labouring and Other Local Work

We also receive enquiries about labouring and other casual or temporary roles. Availability varies, so let us know about your skills, experience and the type of work you're looking for.

The more flexible you are, the more opportunities you may be able to explore.

Why Stay at Wanderlust NZ While Looking for Work?

Finding a job in a new country can be challenging. Knowing where to start, who is hiring and how to get to work can make all the difference.

That's where we can help.

Local connections since 2004: We've spent years building relationships with local businesses and contractors who contact us when they need workers.

Work leads for our guests: We share current opportunities and help connect suitable guests with potential employers. Positions are limited, and employers make their own hiring decisions.

Weekly accommodation rates: Stay longer without paying a separate nightly rate. Contact us directly to ask about our current weekly rates and availability.

Transport assistance: Some orchard jobs have transport arrangements available. Depending on the job, we may also be able to help you connect with other backpackers for carpooling.

A social atmosphere: Meet travellers from around the world, share experiences, make friends and enjoy the journey together.

A waterfront location: Our hostel is right on The Strand in central Tauranga, close to cafés, restaurants and the waterfront. On your days off, explore Mount Maunganui, hit the beach, discover local walks or plan your next North Island road trip.

Ready to Find Work in Tauranga?

Tell us a little about yourself and what you're looking for. We'll let you know what opportunities we currently have information about and how to take the next step.

Please include your preferred type of work, relevant experience, intended start date and how long you can stay.

Important: Wanderlust NZ is a hostel, not an employment agency or your employer. We help our guests connect with local work opportunities, but vacancies change regularly and we cannot guarantee employment, hours or earnings.

Stay. Work. Meet people. Explore.