Squeals of delight ring out at The Hits Rotorua Beach Dig

Sand flew and cheers filled the air as children did their best digging to win prizes today.

The Hits Rotorua teamed up with McDonald's Rotorua to bring the annual The Hits Beach Dig to Hannahs Bay Reserve.

Every little digger received a prize, thanks to McDonald's Rotorua and Reduced To Clear.

Hundreds of numbered sticks were buried in the sand, and each stick corresponded to a numbered prize bag with prizes from local businesses.

These included Reduced to Clear, Diversion Maze Park, Reading Cinemas, Rotorua Aquatic Centre, Rotorua Duck Tours and more.

Children rush forward eagerly to start digging. Photo / Ben Fraser

Two bikes were up for grabs through the Beach Dig this year thanks to The Warehouse.

The Hits Rotorua brand engagement co-ordinator Bryce Morris said about 500 children dug in the sand at the event.

He said it went well, and the atmosphere was fun and friendly.

"We are lucky that the rain stayed away until the end.

"It was great to see the kids having fun and the kids were buzzing when they got their prizes."

Rotorua's Jo Keefe went along to the event with her 6-year-old daughter Isis Russell.

Keefe said the Beach Dig was a great free community event for all, and it brought everyone together.

She said the children loved it and it was an event Isis looked forward to each year.

Isis said she enjoyed hunting in the sand for the sticks, and when asked how it felt to find one she gave a big thumbs-up.

A Rotorua mother said the event was great fun and helped to get children outside.

"There's not a device in sight which is awesome."

She said it was great watching all the children's faces as they took part - "they were so jubilant".

Jacinta Low, 9, said she liked how it was hard to find a stick in the sand.

She said it was fun digging for the stick and getting a reward after - "I felt happy and so excited."

Legacy Forsyth, 5, proudly holds up her stick at the Beach Dig. Photo / Ben Fraser

Rosie Lucich, 9, said she enjoyed getting the food in the prize bags and she felt excited when she found her stick in the sand.

Erin Palmer went along to the Beach Dig with her 3-year-old son Keaton Bracken.

She said it was their first time going along to the event. They enjoyed it so much they would probably go back again.

Palmer said Keaton had also enjoyed playing on the playground beforehand.

The Hits Beach Dig with McDonald's Rotorua is under way

Posted by The Hits on Saturday, 30 March 2019