Suncrest Orchard - Suncrest Orchard 330 Ripponvale Road

Went on the Website.

Living on the orchard was pretty cool, but unfortunately the supervisor was really unfriendly...

First experience in cherries picking. I liked that. Professionnaly correct but the work is quite difficult.

I love this place and very generous owner JONES FAMILY

I was as a cherry picker in Suncrest Orchard in 2019/2020 season, from mid Dec to end of Jan. Work itself is physically demanding, you must be prepared for that, since you will use muscles that you haven’t normally used. Lifting ladders around the trees and carrying 5kg bucket will work out your trapezius. We would normally work for 6-9 days in a row and have one day off if not interrupted by rain. There were few times when we did work few hours in rain and it was not only unpleasant but tough, as the weather is cold. Your ladders and fingers are frozen, barely moving, you’re soaking wet and ladders are slippery. Supervisors are meant to lead by example and build a respectful work environment, as written in Suncrest policies, however that is not always the case. I understand you have to earn your respect from supervisors by contributing as hardworking and trustworthy employee, however we still experienced disrespectful and demeaning attitude. When just asked what time we finish work to plan our trip to Queenstown you would get a reply of type “you will finish when I will tell you to finish” or when asked to check whether tree is picked fine I would hear “I will wait for you to go to your next tree in the end of the line and then will call you back”. I must note that some supervizors are hats off, like Sean or Hudson, was real pleasure to be in their kind and supportive environment.Thank you! I was residing in Suncrest bunkrooms together with bunch of GREAT, intelligent and smart people. All with their education, ambitions and just enjoying traveling, therefore unreasonable attitude from supervizors was difficult to accept/get used to. Life in bunkrooms was very pleasant thanks to the KINDEST person in the orchard - Rossane the bunkroom manager. She took great care of us, also she would drive us to orchard party in Chalets and pick us up in the night, very caring thank you so much for your loving attitude!

If you respect yourself DON’T work here!!! I was cherry picker here this season and the attitude from supervizors, to be precise from Nathalie, is just below normal. She is a perfect example when someone is given power and it has gone wrong. We experienced harrassing attitude from her, few people were led to tears and she told us that we are priviledged to work in this orchard so we better should obey any orders and not question them. This is the worst work experience for us in NZ so far.

Their website would be better if they made users wishing to purchase their products. Thst thrse are available from Jones Fruit

I worked here from late Feb to late April 2021, roughly 2 months. Onsite Accommodation: I enjoyed my stay since the onsite accommodation is very nice. It was spacious with less people in Autumn harvesting time and I had chance to study after work in the communal area almost everyday. The facilities are all decent. Work: I witnessed so many beautiful sunrises and sunset views during staying here. The work itself was also comparatively fair with enough working hours as they promised and we got to do multiple tasks some days which was satisfying and not boring. Supervisors are being strict about quality of the work but also fair from my point of view. They are usually organized and cautious. They are not very sociable but if you are not into small talks then it's a perfect place for you! I usually was busy at picking fruit or listening to audio books while working. I would give it 5 out of 5 if they could've told my last day earlier. With 2 days of notice, I just didn't get chance to rearrange my grocery shopping time so I have got a lot of food left to consume when they told me there would be no work within 2 days. However, I still liked the work and place in general and most of the time, people are friendly and helpful.