NZFH4X4 BIG FOUR
Four Species. Two Regions. 1 Epic Challenge.
The NZ Fishing, Hunting & 4x4 Big Four launched alongside the NZ Fishing, Hunting & 4x4 Expo in Rotorua 2025. Designed for serious hunters and passionate fishers, this is your chance to show your skill across four legendary species local to the competion region:
ROTORUA (12-16 August 2026)
A true land and freshwater challenge set in the central North Island hunting Rainbow Trout, Pheasant , Wild Boar, and Red Deer.
NELSON (14-18 October 2026)
A land and saltwater format reflecting the top of the South Island hunting Red Deer, Wild Boar, Snapper, and Kingfish
Register for the NZFH4X4 BIG FOUR
ROTORUA: 12-16 August 2026
NELSON: 14-18 October 2026
Think you’ve got what it takes to win the BIG FOUR? This is your shot.
Spaces for the NZFH4X4 BIG FOUR are strictly limited to 50 teams – and demand last year was high.
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY THESE EPIC PEOPLE!
RULES
Event Overview
The NZ Fishing, Hunting & 4x4 (NZFH4X4) Big FOUR is run in association with the NZFH4X4 Expo (Rotorua 14-16 August 2026 and Nelson 16-18 October 2026). It’s a fun and community-driven competition that invites hunters, fishers, and offroaders to participate across four classic New Zealand game categories known in the host region. Participant must carry all applicable legal and current licence
Competition Dates
Briefing Day: Held Wednesday morning of Expo event week at the respective venue in Rotorua or Nelson. Exact time TBC
Hunting Period: From after the briefing on Wednesday of respective event week until 11:59am on expo Sunday
Weigh-In Day & Prizegiving:Sunday of expo week at the NZ Fishing Hunting & 4×4 Expo venue.
All teams must be registered and have collected their weigh in card at the expo venue by 12noon!
Trout Weigh-In:Trout may be weighed in at the same time as animal weighing.
Entry Details - Limited to 50 Teams!
Team Entry Fee: $400
Team Size: 4 participants (limited number of teams accepted)
Entry Deadline: UNLESS SOLD OUT PRIOR. (no changes permitted post deadline)
ROTORUA - 8 August 2026
NELSON - 10 October 2026
Identification Required: All team members must present photo ID and applicable licences (firearms, game bird, trout, etc.)
Briefing
Held Wednesday morning of Expo event week at the respective venue in Rotorua or Nelson. Exact Time TBC
At least one team member must attend to collect starter packs and hear rule amendments
Species & Eligibility
Eligible Species
ROTORUA: Any Red Deer, Wild Boar (boars only), Male Ring-neck Pheasant, and Rainbow Trout
NELSON: Any Red Deer, Wild Boar (boars only), Snapper, and Kingfish
Not Permitted: Sows, hen pheasants, or any animals not harvested during the event timeframe
All species must be presented in edible condition and not frozen
Game Preparation Requirements
All preparation and weigh-in criteria are aligned with best practice standards observed in long-standing national hunting events (e.g., Stoney Creek Big Four, Fiordland Big 3):
Boars: Completely gutted; nuts in, pizzles out
Red Deer: Completely gutted; nuts out, pizzles out, and throats removed, no offal at all,
Trout: Must be whole (not gutted), presented fresh (not frozen), and meet minimum length requirements as per Fish & Game NZ regulations. Trout should be stored on ice and brought in a moist, cool condition. Trout must be caught within the Rotorua Lakes and Tributaries of the Eastern Fish & Game region.
Pheasants: Must be male, with tail feathers attached, and presented dry and intact
Snapper & Kingfish: Must be whole (not gutted), presented fresh (not frozen), and meet minimum length requirements as per MPI Recreational Fishing rules for the region.
Any entries not meeting these conditions may be rejected or incur a preparation fee if corrections are necessary on site.
Weigh-In
General Weigh-In: Expo Sunday 12pm to 2pm (no late weigh ins, if you late you are disqualified)
Trout Weigh-In: Trout may be weighed at the expo venue anytime prior to 12pm Sunday
Location: NZ Fishing Hunting & 4×4 Expo
ROTORUA: Energy Events Centre, Queens Drive, Sunday 24th August
NELSON: Trafalgar Centre, Paru Paru Road
One of each species per team may be entered. No substitutions allowed
All entries must be in a fresh, unfrozen state
The weigh master and committee reserve the right to reject any entry suspected of freezing, being inedible, or improperly harvested
Scoring System
Team Prizes: 1,2,3,4 Based on closest to average metrics for each species. Lowest cumulative score across categories wins
Individual Prizes:
Heaviest Boar (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Heaviest Stag (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Best Stag (Douglas Score) 1st only
Best Boar (Hooks - Douglas Score, intact jaw required) 1st only
Best Pheasant (Quality Score based on weight, tail bars, spur length) 1st only
Best Rainbow Trout (Condition Factor) (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Prize Categories (TBC)
Major Team Prizes – 1st to 4th Place
Individual Species Winners (as above)
Spot Prizes
Prize Eligibility Requirements
All prizes must be collected at prizegiving or by 12pm Monday 17th August
Conduct & Disqualification
No hunting from helicopters
All boat users must comply with maritime safety regulations
Aggressive or unsafe behaviour will result in disqualification and potential ban from future events
Any suspected dishonesty (e.g. frozen game, illegal methods) will result in team disqualification
All participant fishing must have a current Eastern Fish & Game License. Licence Details click here
All participants hunting Game Birds must have a valid and current game bird license - detail about licence here
Spot Prizes & Raffles
All attendees at prizegiving are eligible
Contact & Enquiries
Email: events@intrinsicevent.co.nz
Website: www.wildnzexpo.co.nz
Note: These rules are subject to change and will be confirmed at the official briefing. The event organiser reserves the right to amend or clarify rules as needed.