About The Competition
The 90 Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza is widely regarded as one of the largest snapper surfcasting competitions in the world. This one-species event runs over 5 days in March on the iconic Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē (90 Mile Beach) in Northland, New Zealand. With a total prize pool exceeding $88,000, the competition delivers serious stakes, including a massive $30,000 cash prize for the heaviest snapper of the week. But it’s not just about landing the biggest fish. There’s also $10,000 up for grabs for the angler who catches a snapper closest to the overall average weight, keeping everyone in the game right to the final day. Even if the fish aren’t biting, you’re still in with a shot. Our legendary spot prizes exceed $150,000, including a $53,000 4×4 ute (RRP), meaning anyone can walk away a winner.
The Bonanza continues to sell out year after year, attracting up to 1200 anglers from across New Zealand and beyond. Prizegivings draw crowds of 1500 to 3000 people, creating an electric atmosphere both on and off the beach. More than just a competition, the Snapper Bonanza is a full Far North experience, bringing together fishing, community, and good times on one of the most unique coastlines in the world.
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
$10,000.00
Massive Spot Prizes
Don't miss out on arguably the largest surf casting event in the world
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Hall of Fame
Harley Ra, Kaitaia
2026 Winner
Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2026 – 7.665kg.
Rory Collings, Kaitaia
2025 Winner
Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2025 – 6.635kg.
Zane Kaaka, Te Kao
2024 Winner
Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2024 – 8.225kg.
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
Then in 5-10 working days your ticket & number will be emailed to you, with a link to respond and upload your ID pic.
Again we just want to thank you all, its very humbling when there is so much demand for tickets to this tournament, and very sad when people miss out. But every year as it gets closer to the comp anglers are unable to make it for what ever reason, so please make sure you put your name on the waiting list.
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Waiting list - Snapper Bonanza
snapperbonanza.co.nz
Comment on Facebook
WOW! 11 minutes team that is incredible 🤯
The WAITING LIST is now active ... See MoreSee Less
Waiting list - Snapper Bonanza
snapperbonanza.co.nz
Comment on Facebook
Carlton Cory Green you fullas get one
Wow too slow bro. Il get on that waiting list 😂
Way smoother experience this year! Sitting in front of the countdown gets daunting.
Thanks for all your Mahi!!! 🥰
Dam gotta be fast Mase Larken
Wtf missed out again
Holy Moley! That's fast ⚡️⚡️
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Comment on Facebook
Hic cup at start!! Refresh & boom, quite a smooth transition thru the process. 3 x tickets done!
Wow 14 mins! Nikki T Devo we just made it 😅😅 Roll on Bonanza 2027!!
Got mine just before crash yee haa back again 29th + attempt
holy must have just got in last second
Less goooo!!! Tight lines everyone 🥰🎣🥰
Wow that was faster than last year!! Bring on 2027 - Tight Lines everyone.
Let’s go John Newman Ryan Mission
Yeah we made it...leshhh gooo.🎣🐟
See you next year everyone 👍
Bushers are in
Hey neens crazy alright but secured three we is comn see you dea luv up from da Brizzy bunch yeehaa.
Poto Murray ka pai !!!
Anyone selling x2 tickets
Phewwww we made it 😅😅💥
Woop woop!! Rock on 2027!!
Wow in 14 mins
Mix breed woop woop we on x
🤣
Matthew Charles 😭🔥 we made it
Im on the waiting list for two i wasn't quick enough
Fckn missed it.
Fuck👀👀😂
Lesgoooo LD Crawford
dam I just missed out
Feel sorry for those who miss out. $420 to go on the waiting List.
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Snapper Bonanza 2027 Tickets Go On Sale This Saturday!
🗓️ Saturday 6th June, 9am - head to www.snapperbonanza.co.nz to grab your tickets for the 2027 Gallagher Insurance New Zealand 90 Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza.
🎟️ Tickets are $375 each and you can buy up to 4 in one transaction.
Important updates to streamline things this year:
💳 Credit or debit card. Payments go through PayPal, but you don’t need a PayPal account. Just click the red-highlighted tab to pay as a guest. (See image below)
You will receive a PAYPAL confirmation email 1st, then you will receive your confirmation email from us (Snapper Bonanza) in 1-3hrs. We're doing it this way to avoid any "jams".
⏳ If tickets sell out, we’ll activate a WAITING LIST on the website. You’ll be able to add yourself (and your crew) there.
📸 After your ticket is processed (5-10 working days), you’ll receive an email with your ticket file, asking you to upload a photo.
Please ensure it’s a head-and-shoulders shot of just the angler — no sunglasses (hats are fine), no fish, no other people please.
📍 Team Tickets - register your team (up to 4 per team) at Snapper HQ on the registration days. Each team member MUST hold an individual ticket.
👕 Shirts, singlets, fleeces & calendars - available for purchase during Bonanza week. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
When ya forget ya created a PayPal account and then go blank on ya password 😆 🤣 lil bit of grumpy followed by a whole lot of relief 😃 😊
YESSSSSS !! I will be there for 2027 Snapper Bonanza. 3 tickets Missed this year, due to hospital for whanau member. They come first!
😂😂 happened to me as well
Hear we come again
In paypal it does not have NZ so I can finish paying
Quick as this year. Too much guys!
Yussss!!! 2027 Snapper Bonanza here we come
View more comments
Snapper Bonanza 2027 Tickets Go On Sale This Saturday!
🗓️ Saturday 6th June, 9am - head to www.snapperbonanza.co.nz to grab your tickets for the 2027 Gallagher Insurance New Zealand 90 Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza.
🎟️ Tickets are $375 each and you can buy up to 4 in one transaction.
Important updates to streamline things this year:
💳 Credit or debit card. Payments go through PayPal, but you don’t need a PayPal account. Just click the red-highlighted tab to pay as a guest. (See image below)
You will receive a PAYPAL confirmation email 1st, then you will receive your confirmation email from us (Snapper Bonanza) in 1-3hrs. We're doing it this way to avoid any "jams".
⏳ If tickets sell out, we’ll activate a WAITING LIST on the website. You’ll be able to add yourself (and your crew) there.
📸 After your ticket is processed (5-10 working days), you’ll receive an email with your ticket file, asking you to upload a photo.
Please ensure it’s a head-and-shoulders shot of just the angler — no sunglasses (hats are fine), no fish, no other people please.
📍 Team Tickets - register your team (up to 4 per team) at Snapper HQ on the registration days. Each team member MUST hold an individual ticket.
👕 Shirts, singlets, fleeces & calendars - available for purchase during Bonanza week. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook