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



And thanks to those that shared for love, we appreciate the support.
And the winners is ..................................Congrats to Dean N Lisa !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please send us a DM and we'll organise to get your prizes to you.
Remember if your looking to escape the rat race of the big cities, have a change of scenery, or take advantage of an established awesome business opportunity & to move to the beautiful Far Far North! Check out the trademe listing for details
www.trademe.co.nz/a/property/residential/sale/northland/far-north/pukenui/listing/6011015941 ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Zach Hodge, Ben Waldron check this out
Great fresh bait and ice that isn't frozen solid, no more breaking it up on the concrete to fit in chillybin
Thank you so much Snapper Bonanza what an awesome prize 🤗😎 !! The boys will be stoked with this for the boat 👌will DM now .
Awesome place Mitch
that is nice as bams oid place
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Icey Camel is UP FOR SALE! So we've teamed up with them to spread the word. Giving one lucky angler the chance to score a prize pack valued at over $500!
🏆 Prize Includes:
✅ Icey-Tek Chilly Bin
✅ Icey Camel Tackle / Fishing Gear
✅ Icey Camel Merchandise
How to Enter:
👍 Like this post
✅ Comment to enter
🏷️ Tag a mate for a bonus entry
You must complete all 3 to be eligible.
📅 Winner drawn: 31st July 2026
Good luck! And please SHARE the post 🙂
Interested or know someone who might be keen to live the Far North dream? Check out the Icey Camel property & business for sale at the Trademe link below.
www.trademe.co.nz/a/property/residential/sale/northland/far-north/pukenui/listing/6011015941
#SnapperBonanza #IceyCamel #FarNorthFishing #IceyTek #NZSurfcasting #Giveaway
Thanks to Sean at North Swell Media for another epic vid!
Competition not endorsed, sponsored or administered by Facebook.
*We don't own the rights to this music* ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
yo Ragnar Ryan thats us bro!😎 some new gear for nxt yrs comp maybe👊
Always helpful
Kelly A Tepania so cool.
Epic prize Kelly N Rima 🎣
Awesome prize Adonis Tepania 🎣
Josh Tamati you know were to get any ice
Nathan Robinson
I'm gonna win this. Kahutai King
Shilaine Matariki Hughes-purua
Cool prize J LA Brandt
Clint Loveridge go you halves in the business
Hope i can get a ticket Fred 🤞
Jimmy Berghan
Tom Oud 🐟
Great place for supplies with great people.
Pick me 😝 Daniel Tiaki Pedersen
Ada Hobson
Sandy Hobson get u one this year sis 💪 🎣
Cruz Hobson Bday prezzy babe 🤭
Sargent Snow Dayton Dunn this be cool
Jonathan Bailey
My kids love the Ithey mammal 🤣🤣 Christine Leef
Norma-Dee Peita that’s us🐟🎣
This would be awesome to win Craig Keat
William Pedersen
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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
Timothy Gifford
okey dokey
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
Wow too slow bro. Il get on that waiting list 😂
Carlton Cory Green you fullas get one
YFH Levi Kiki Herbert THATS US NEFF 💪🐎
Everything went through soooooo sweetly for my 3 tickets for 2027. Love supporting them.
Way smoother experience this year! Sitting in front of the countdown gets daunting.
Thanks for all your Mahi!!! 🥰
Real quick need more tickets bara
Got three done and dusted nephs see uz dea.
Was putting in details than site crashed 🤦♂️🤦♂️ ohwell waiting list it is
Fukn slept in again missed out bk on waiting list again 🙃
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!
Got mine just before crash yee haa back again 29th + attempt
Wow 14 mins! Nikki T Devo we just made it 😅😅 Roll on Bonanza 2027!!
holy must have just got in last second
Less goooo!!! Tight lines everyone 🥰🎣🥰
Yeehaaaa, everyone gets to watch the trawler drag up and down for the week again🤣
9:03am done and dusted 😅 leshgoooo💪💪
Hey neens crazy alright but secured three we is comn see you dea luv up from da Brizzy bunch yeehaa.
Have fun all we out for 2027!
See you next year everyone 👍
Took a deep breath, everything went through everything so smoothly and BOOM! 3 tickets for 2027.
Wow that was faster than last year!! Bring on 2027 - Tight Lines everyone.
Bushers are in
Smooth as transaction👌💯 we on for 2027
Yeah we made it...leshhh gooo.🎣🐟
Anyone selling x2 tickets
I told my p.a [wife].to type out my tickets ×3.the fastest she's ever typed.9:07am done.and I was still sweating.i still think I just made it.
Let’s go John Newman Ryan Mission
Poto Murray ka pai !!!
Phewwww we made it 😅😅💥
Woop woop!! Rock on 2027!!
Wow in 14 mins
Me to
Mix breed woop woop we on x
🤣
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