Over $100,000 in prizes to be given away

10th - 14th MARCH 2026

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 $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!

Register Now!

Keep up to date with us on Facebook

Facebook

Snapper Bonanza

15 hours ago

MASSIVE shout out to Paddy from North Harbour Decks!

Pat Wiremu (Paddy) finally got to attend a Bonanza this year & was nice to catch up.

North Harbour UTE Decks have been making our prize truck ute deck since we started.
New Zealand owned and all their products are New Zealand designed and built from quality materials.

The team at North Harbour Ute Decks will listen to your requirements and turn them into reality.
Whether it is a standard Ute Deck, or a complicated one-off design, they have the knowledge and experience to build the best quality and most durable product for you.

BUILT STRONG, BUILT TOUGH 💪
FOR NEW ZEALANDERS BY NEW ZEALANDERS.

www.northharbourutedecks.co.nz ... See MoreSee Less

View on Facebook

View Comments

Likes: 56
Shares: 1
Comments: 1

Comment on Facebook

Paddy's a top bloke and makes a really good product , I recommend him

Snapper Bonanza

2 days ago

If you're still fizzing from the Bonanza, and have a few cast left in ya. Check out the Kauri Coast Fishing Contest on 28th March. Head over to their Facebook page for details! ... See MoreSee Less

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.

View on Facebook

View Comments

Likes: 19
Shares: 1
Comments: 1

Comment on Facebook

Timara Leaf Te Maharanoa Richard Carter that's us, lessgo

Snapper Bonanza updated their cover photo.

2 days ago

... See MoreSee Less

View on Facebook

View Comments

Likes: 152
Shares: 21
Comments: 32

Comment on Facebook

Sweet Baby Jesus…bring on 2027.

Uncle James Pomare keen to do this with us 😎 i want to tick it off my bucket list 🫣Haare Manga Te Wehi said he’s keen haha!

Sweet Baby Jesus #tightlines

Teina Snowden that we baby but you just come and watch this time lol 😆

Toronge Pene Carlos Thoumine that us? 👀

Ngarangi Haenga Cranston Rapana Raephal Meterei Tinirau well bable to catch phau nxt year wit thes dates broz

Ken Cook lets tick this off our bucket list bro

We there! James Paniora

Wayne Phillip Rogers Antony Goodhue that's us ??

Yes , I will definitely be there. Absolutely love supporting Snapper Bonanza!

Happy birthday to Jason Watts round 3 😂😂 Sam Clark

Barrack Carle Nathan Exelby Kaz Thompson

Karyn Woodcock??

Sharman Mutu Ron Mutu Dan Mutu 🎣

Kiwis Lyfe 👀

Jade Mel Tahere 🙌🏽

Wayne Birch

Henry McClutchie Tux Brown

Paul RobinsonMathew Robinson lets lock it in

Nikora Ratana

Joe Rudolph

Masson Collingwood Samson Collingwood Eddie Latham

Tony Savage

Ali Pou Ruka

JoshnBillie Hohaia

View more comments

Snapper Bonanza is at 90 Mile Beach.

3 days ago

From the bonanza crew, that’s a wrap (more vids to come from @north_swell_media thanks Sean for your mahi this week) these are just a couple pics of our crew over the week 🤍

from John & Dave, the girls in the rego tent (the real heros) Rach, Alex, Katherine & Laura, weigh station, Brian, Lou, Toni, Mataina, Trish. The 💪🏼 boys Ed, Jody, Bev, Toss, Radar, Ronny, Paul. Merch container Glenda. DJ Derek. Denny and his crew, the awaz rugby crew. Eileen, @brydiebowls & Pam keeping you fed with the caravans. @sports.riders.kaitaia team keeping you in tack all week. @icey_camel keeping you stocked with bait & ice. And the wahine who look after you the most 🍺 Treen, Dayna & Kailee.

The biggest thanks goes to @gallagherinsurancenz_ and our sponsors. What this event does for our community is HUGE!

And there are many more! Thank you 🙏🏼

Congrats to allllllll the winners!

Details of next year’s date, ticket sales, left over merch to come. Sunday was pack up day and have a beer at the pub.

See you all in 2027 🙌🏼
Cheers Lou 🫶🏻 ... See MoreSee Less

+6

View on Facebook

View Comments

Likes: 102
Shares: 5
Comments: 10

Comment on Facebook

Thank you all for such an epic event! Appreciate everyone that helps make this happen and putting in the work for us to compete. Congratulations to all winners 🏆 Will definitely see you next year! Wooooh!

Thank you team for another fantastic event!

Well done team 🙌

Fantastic time once again thanks team. Big ups to all involved, see you again next year 🍻

Solid effort team! Made the effort from the Bay of Plenty all the worth while. Until next time, Hei kona rā 🤗

Well done team!! Always appreciate all your hardwork and dedication!!! See you next year!!

What a fantastic week, To your entire team hats off!

Awesome Comp Thank,s

Well done team what a fantastic week see you next year

www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/589713/ninety-mile-beach-snapper-bonanza-winner-reveals-his-secrets

View more comments

Snapper Bonanza

3 days ago