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-Tลhฤ (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 itโs not just about landing the biggest fish. Thereโs 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 arenโt biting, youโre 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 itโs 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
Keep up to date with us on Facebook
Hall ofย 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 –ย 12.030kg
Luke Boyes, Christchurch
2011 Winner
Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2011ย –ย 8.89kg
Our Sponsors
Without them this event would not happen



Tickets go on sale Saturday 6th June at 9am (via our website only) โ and they wonโt last long!
Weโre right in the middle of our sponsorship drive, and as we always say on stage, this event simply wouldnโt happen without the incredible support of our sponsors ๐
There are a range of sponsorship opportunities available, perfect for businesses wanting to promote themselves, a supplier wanting to encourage sales, reward staff, or create awesome client experiences.
Know a business that might be keen? Or interested yourself?
๐ Get in touch with us directly โ weโd love to have you on board!
Email us โกinfo@snapperbonanza.co.nz ... See MoreSee Less
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Prize ideas like : spot lights, hand held or car mounted Tents, windproof/waterproof clothing, gopro, drones, traces, fishing line, fishing hooks, rods, restaurant vouchers, food delivered to your fishing spot. Drinks, solar packs, everything solar
Jennifer Leigh Skinner Craig Ross Billi Skipage is this something you all would be keen for?
Eye J Moeke Khan Petuha let's show these kunts how it's done ๐ฏ๐ค
Remz Teava Ror Hess Cory Green we onn next year
It'll be the usual $350
Caiden Murray
Roger Rawiri
Stu Dow
Kristal Boynton ๐คฉ
Lizzy Kihi Dylan Kihi
Stephen Mitchell Kerry Mitchell Phillip Harpur
From 1000 to 1200 bet it will go up again next year watch this space ๐
Snapper Bonanza how much is the tickets this time? Can’t find pricing info anywhere
How much do tickets cost ?
What price will the ticket be this year any idea ?
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This is only possible because of everyone who got behind it, from competitors to supporters!
Every dollar goes towards education, research, and supporting those affected.
Massive thanks to everyone who contributed by purchasing a t-shirt or singlet ๐ฉท ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Thats so awesome team!!!!
What a great cause and shout out to the Snapper Bonanza and those who bought merchandise .
Amazing
Well done Snapper Bonanza team โค๏ธ it
Brilliant, will next year's merch be a colour for another cause?
Way to go Snapper Bonanza
Awsome Bonanza team ๐
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Tickets will go on sale at 9am Saturday 6th June 2026 for the 2027 competition. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Kelly Colquhoun. Get ready mate.
Tyrone Hauraki
Is the price the same?? Is there going to be a survey??
Don Beattie
Apelu Lemaga
Ali Pou Ruka Ali Ruka
Paul Robinson Craig Robinson
Corey Warrander
Pep Adams Tamatoa Adams
Rawhitiroa Paikea Cortnie Pineaha Murray
Ken Deer
Deon Kumm ; Kyren Kumm
Taich Playle
Rangitahi Wi Ramone Ratu
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F
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Peter morunga
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Can't wait to purchase tickets for Dad and I for next year.
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This content isn't available at the moment
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.Comment on Facebook
PINK - 2026 $30ea
Large - singlet
XL - tee
2XL - singlets & tee
4XL - fleece $50ea
Caps - $10ea
2026-2027 Calendars $20ea
YELLOW - 2025 $20ea
Large - singlets
2XL - tee
3XL - tee
4XL - tee
4XL - fleece $45
BLUE - 2024 $10each
Medium - singlets
3XL - tee
4XL - tee
GREY - 2021 $5ea
Small - singlets
Medium - singlets
Send me a PM with what you're after and your address to calculate courier ... See MoreSee Less
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