Looking for the ultimate New Zealand working holiday experience?
Explore New Zealand and travel to different regions while working as an Tractor Operator with Mills Recruitment in the heart of New Zealand’s thriving agricultural industry.
Our epic NZ season kicks off in September and rolls right through until May/June — and now’s your chance to lock in your spot for the 2026/2027 season with the Mills crew!
Make silage in the heart of Canterbury, be part of grape harvest in Central Otago or Marlborough, then head north to Hawke’s Bay for vegetable harvest — there are endless opportunities to experience the country as the seasons change.
This is your chance to earn great money, build international farming experience, and explore one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Still overseas?
No problem – we welcome overseas applications!
Why Join Mills Recruitment?
We specialise in supporting Working Holiday Visa travellers and international candidates from the moment they decide to make the move.
We help make your arrival easy with:
- Airport pick-up from Christchurch International Airport
- Welcome package on arrival including a local SIM card, grocery voucher, and other useful resources to help you settle
- Guidance with booking accommodation for your first 2 nights in New Zealand.
- A day together to help setting up your NZ bank account and IRD (tax) number
- Ongoing support and guidance from our friendly team
- Access to outstanding arable farming clients across New Zealand
What You’ll Be Doing
Operate modern agricultural machinery across some of New Zealand’s leading arable farming operations. Depending on the season and your experience, you may operate:
- Tractors with GPS and precision farming technology
- Telehandlers for loading and material handling
- Tipping trailers and bulk haulage equipment
- Combine harvesters during busy harvest periods
- Cultivation, drilling and harvesting equipment across large-scale cropping programs
No two weeks are the same – your work will change as the seasons do. You’ll gain exposure to a variety of farming systems, crops, and operating environments. This is your opportunity to build practical experience and broaden your skillset at an international level.
Seasonal tasks may include:
- Ground preparation and cultivation
- Drilling and planting operations
- Destoning
- Rolling and paddock preparation
- Silage work including raking, baling, wrapping and stacking
- Carting grain and harvest support work
- Harvesting – spuds, onions, grapes to name a few
- General machinery operation and farm maintenance
- Assisting with harvest operations across multiple crop types
You’ll work alongside experienced farm owners, managers, and operators who take pride in running professional, well-maintained operations. Safety, teamwork, and machinery care are highly valued, and you’ll be joining hardworking crews that know how to get the job done while still enjoying the season along the way.
This is a fantastic chance for operators wanting more than repetitive farm work — offering variety, responsibility, modern equipment, and the chance to experience New Zealand agriculture at its best.
What’s On Offer?
- Competitive hourly rates based on experience (average pay range = NZD $25 – $30/hour)
- Extended hours/overtime opportunity during peak season
- Full-time seasonal opportunities
- Diverse roles across multiple regions
- Modern machinery and professional farming businesses
- Opportunity to travel and explore New Zealand between seasons
- Supported by the personable team at Mills Recruitment
Work hard and enjoy everything New Zealand has to offer along the way — whether that’s bungy jumping, jet boating, skiing, hiking, or simply enjoying the incredible scenery.
Preferred Requirements/Qualifications:
- Minimum 1 season tractor operating experience in New Zealand or overseas
- Confident operating tractors independently
- Understanding of mixed cropping farming techniques advantageous
- Experience operating other agricultural machinery preferred
- Ability to work safely and efficiently in a fast-paced environment
- Comfortable working long hours during busy seasonal periods
- Willing to travel between regions as work opportunities arise
- Commitment to maintaining machinery to a high standard
- Positive attitude and good sense of humour — able to have a laugh on the yard while getting the job done!
- Full Driver Licence
- Agriculture qualification a bonus
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Eligibility for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa
Ready for your New Zealand farming adventure?
Apply today with Mills Recruitment and together lets start planning your next season in New Zealand.
