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2024 Contest dates are 12th - 16th March 2024 - WE SOLD OUT!
CLICK HERE TO JOIN WAITING LIST

12th - 16th MARCH 2024

90 Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza is arguably the biggest Snapper Surf Casting Competition in the world, a one species fishing competition which runs for 5 days in March on the famous Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē (90 Mile Beach), Northland New Zealand

The Far North's Iconic Event

A must do for the surfcasting enthusiast or the social angler.

About The Competition

The 90 Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza is arguably the biggest Snapper Surf Casting Competition in the world, a one species fishing competition which runs for 5 days in March on the famous Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē (90 Mile Beach), Northland New Zealand. The cash prize pool exceeds $72,000.00, of course the biggest cash offering goes to the largest snapper of the week a whopping $30,000.00. However don’t think it’s all about size as $10,000.00 is up for grabs for the angler that catches a snapper closest to the average weight of all the fish caught in the competition. The event will still cater for the unlucky angler that doesn’t catch a fish as the lucky draw spot prizes exceed $100,000.00 which includes a $50,000.00 4x4 Ute (RRP). 2020 and 2021 were sell-out’s which attracted 1000 anglers, it is estimated that at each prize giving there is a total crowd attendance of between 1500 and 3000 people enjoying the entertainment.

Snapper Bonanza Event

Jam-Packed Headquarters Arena – 2023

Darin Maxwell, Te Puke, Heaviest Snapper Record Holder Heaviest snapper record in competition history winner Darin Maxwell from Te Puke with 12.030kg landed Wednesday February 29th, 2012

Merchandise available for purchase on site 

A brief history leading up to the creation of the Snapper Bonanza.

In 1982 the Brijevich family started the competition then called the Snapper Classic they were the owners of The Park -a camping ground just down the road from the current prize giving site. The competition evolved over the next 27 years into a community project that benefited the many local businesses supplying services, supplies, equipment etc. to the many contestants and their entourages. The local economy received a much needed boost and everyone was happy. In 2006 the competition was sold, the new owners ran it in much the same way as the previous owner, but ran into financial difficulties after the 2009 event. So in 2010 the competition was cancelled. However the 90 Mile Beach Surf Casting Club ran an event for those hardy souls who came North anyway. In 2011 the 90 Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza was born, with local businessmen John Stewart and Dave Collard combining their talents to facilitate this Far North iconic event. The bonanza brand has developed into a very strong marketable label and we hope it’s here to stay however without the support of our sponsors the event is not viable, as organisers we urge our anglers and supporters to climb on board and trade with our sponsors as much as possible. Tight Lines John & Dave

Some Of The Prizes Up For Grabs

$30,000.00

Heaviest Snapper Overall & Champions Trophy

$10,000.00

Average Weight Snapper Overall

Massive Spot Prizes Snapper Bonanza Triton

Massive Spot Prizes

Including a Mitsubishi Triton, Haze Real Estate MeloYelo Electric Bike and a Super Liquor Seahorse Kontiki

Don't miss out on arguably the largest surf casting event in the world

Registration has never been easier.  Register online now!

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4 months ago
We have a number of entrants that still need to email us their "Head & Shoulders" photo for your ID tags.

If this applies to you - you'll recieve an email from us today
Remember to check your spam folders
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Comment on Facebook

Henare G Gardiner anei

Will send mine tonight. Thanx for the reminder 😉

Hi guys, I’m just wondering if you have any caps left from this years comp. The dome on the top of my one has come off so I’d like to buy another one if there are any left. Thanks 😊

What happens if we can’t upload our photo can someone help us do it.

Thank you

Oh yes I’ll get this sorted

Hey I got the emails today but can u use their photos from last year?

Loving it

Tony Atkinson that's us

How many years is the waiting list now 😂

Hi, Can someone send me an email on behalf of Ra Thompson, Charlie Rogers-Thompson & Connor Rogers-Thompson please so I can sort there photos 👌🏽

ReannonEdwards N JadeMatiu

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6 months ago
Just a quick shout out to our major sponsors Haze Real Estate and our on stage sound man Derek Ashley! ... See MoreSee Less

Comment on Facebook

Up da North. Great job making it to last 16

Awesome Derek!😎😎🤩🤩

Go Derek.

Let's go Derek

Nice Derek

Chur Derek…awesome stuff mate

Why rnt you guys there Steve Futter

Chur Derek Ashley go bro

Mean ow

ODEE1

ODEE1 for mayor

Marc Cossey Nicola Mike Johnston Trent Hita you guys are famous you on the fishing page page to lol

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6 months ago
Apologies to everyone, although we had taken advice around how to sell the tickets through our website, it is obvious the advice wasn't accurate and the server had a complete meltdown.

To all that have not received confirmation of your ticket purchase, we are waiting on the hosting technicians to fix our confirmation email problems.

We are working night and day checking every single entry, it’s a nightmare to be fair but we are getting there.

If you have purchased through bank transfer disregard the payment timeline of 48hours.
When we send you the confirmation email and account details you can organise payment then.

If you purchased through paypal and the money has gone from your account your ticket is guaranteed.

If you have missed out on a ticket please enter your name on the waiting list.

Apologies again we are still learning & we will have to change to one of the ticketing companies for future sales.

If you have any quereies regarding your ticket purchase please email admin@snapperbonanza.co.nz or info@snapperbonanza.co.nz
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Hall of Fame

Damien Sinclair,
Martinborough

2023 Winner

Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2023 – 7.485kg.

Dickson Hohaia,
South Taranaki

2021 Winner

Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2021 – 9.060kg.

Grant Thompson, Auckland

2020 Winner

Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2020 – 8.285kg.

Dave Rameka, Kaitaia

2019 Winner

Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2019 – 7.905kg.

Grant Dodunski, Te Puke

2018 Winner

Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2018 – 8.945kg.

Chris Spurr, Gisborne

2017 Winner

Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2017 – 6.175kg.

James Benge, Hastings

2016 Winner

Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2016 – 8.165kg.

Troy Notton, Kamo

2015 Winner

Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2015 – 8.315kg.

Neil Sides, Kaitaia

2014 Winner

Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2014 – 9.995kg.

Jeremy Alai, Auckland

2013 Winner

Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2014 – 9.91kg.

Darin Maxwell, Te Puke

2012 Winner

Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2012 and new record holder – 12.030kg

Luke Boyes, Christchurch

2011 Winner

Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2011 – 8.89kg

Our Sponsors

Without them this event would not happen