New Zealand waters are home to some of the most powerful shortfin mako sharks in the world — fast, aggressive, and capable of reaching serious size.

A large mako typically weighs between 150 kg and 450 kg, with most adult fish commonly falling in the 135–230 kg range. But these aren’t the upper limits — New Zealand has produced true giants, with specimens exceeding 450 kg recorded throughout game fishing history.

Record Mako Sharks in New Zealand

New Zealand has long been recognised as a global hotspot for trophy mako sharks, particularly in regions like Northland and the Bay of Plenty.

World Record (1970): A massive 481 kg (1,061 lb) mako was caught off Mayor Island — one of the largest ever recorded globally.
Historic First “Grander” (1943): The first mako over 1,000 lb recognised by the IGFA was landed off the Tauranga coast, weighing 453.6 kg.
Gisborne (1984): A 458.5 kg (1,010 lb) specimen was caught during a national tournament and remains one of the country’s most notable captures.
Kaikōura (1999): Even further south, a powerful 370 kg (815 lb) mako was landed off the Kaikōura coast.

Size, Growth & Power

Average Size:
Most adult makos measure 2.5 to 3.2 metres in length and weigh between 135 kg and 230 kg.

Maximum Potential:

Shortfin makos can exceed 500 kg and grow to nearly 4 metres, making them one of the ocean’s fastest and most explosive predators.

Maturity:
Females typically mature at around 2.75–2.85 metres, significantly larger than males, which mature at approximately 1.8–1.85 metres.