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 $88,000.00, 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 $150,000.00 which includes a $53,000.00 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.
Jam-Packed Headquarters Arena – 2025
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
Including a Mitsubishi Triton, MeloYelo Electric Bike, Early Bird Kontiki 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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Hall of Fame
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
The team at Swift Drilling are known for their expertise in geotechnical and environmental drilling, supporting projects across the Far North & NZ with skill and reliability. It is great to have a company that values community backing an event as iconic as the Bonanza.
You can check out the work they do at swiftdrill.co.nz/.
We appreciate the support from the Swift Drilling crew and are stoked to have them with us for 2026. 🎣🙌 ... See MoreSee Less
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Your the man Dane Rawiri always willing to support events like these. Anyone needing any work done this is the man.
🎟️ $10 per ticket
All proceeds go to Ronald McDonald House Charities
🏆 Prizes up for grabs:
1st Place – Snapper Bonanza Ticket + Drink Vouchers
2nd Place – Snapper Bonanza Ticket
The winner will be drawn on 23rd February 2026 and will be able to collect their tickets directly from McDonald’s Kaitaia.
Pop in, grab a ticket, support an awesome cause, and you could be heading to the 2026 Snapper Bonanza!
Massive thanks to the team at McDonald’s Kaitaia for getting behind the Bonanza and the community once again. ... See MoreSee Less
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Hendrix Bartlett
Sarge Ataera Woody Pinfold give there maccas a ring broz see if theres some way you can enter on line worth a try might crack it 🤷♂️
Johnathan Neho
Whether you are gearing up before the comp or need a top up during the week, @icey_camel has you sorted.
You can grab everything you need from:
📍 The Icey Camel shop in Pukenui
📍 Their onsite setup at Bonanza HQ
They will be fully stocked with all your bait and ice needs including:
Fresh mullet, octopus, jack mack’s, squid, bullet tuna, anchovies, bonito, piper, pilchards and berley.
🔥 PLUS they have a massive giveaway running during the tournament
Keep an eye out for the Icey Camel golf balls hidden inside their salt ice bags.
If you find one, bring it back to the Icey Camel tent and you will score:
✅ A bag of bait
✅ A bucket hat
✅ Entry into the draw to WIN a ticket to the 2027 Snapper Bonanza
Make sure you swing by, stock up, and get in the draw.
Dont forget to check out their Merch - their new UV hoodies keeping you protected while out in the sun. ... See MoreSee Less
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Their support helps us keep this iconic Far North event running strong, connecting anglers, volunteers, and our community throughout the entire week. It is great to have a company that understands the importance of backing local events and bringing people together.
We appreciate the OneNZ team for getting behind the Bonanza and supporting one of the biggest surfcasting competitions in the country.
Thanks again OneNZ, awesome to have you with us for 2026. 🎣🙌 ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Wow that's a big fish for the big comp. Mean!! Well done... Any phones up for grabs🤣🤣🤣
These legends sit right at the gateway to 90 Mile Beach, the perfect base for anglers, families, and anyone chasing that classic Far North summer. Their ongoing support helps us keep this iconic event running strong for our community and all who travel here to fish the big week.
If you are looking for a spot to stay during Bonanza, or planning your next Far North adventure, check them out.
Big thanks to the team at Ahipara Top10 for backing the Bonanza once again. 🎣🙌 ... See MoreSee Less
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