Rabbit Island

Rabbit Island (Moturoa) is the largest of a group of sandy islands lying in the Waimea Estuary at the head of Tasman Bay, 15 minutes drive from Richmond. Along its seaward side there is more than eight kilometres of safe sandy beach. This is the largest picnic area in the district.Much of the island is covered in pine plantations owned by the Tasman District Council. The Council has set aside a large area of land adjacent to the beach as a public reserve.

Logging in Progress

Visitors to the island are asked to keep to the marked trails. Logging is in progress and trucks are in constant use.

Dogs Prohibited
Please note that dogs are prohibited on Rabbit Island.
Read more about dog exercise areas

The beach and public reserves are open for use during daylight hours only throughout the year and may be closed during times of high fire risk.

Mountain Biking

Conifer Park Mountain Bike Tracks lie to the west of the Rabbit Island picnic areas. Conifer Park has 2 kilometres of singletrack suitable for riders of all abilities. In the weekend "The Secret Side of Moturoa Bike Track" is open around the perimeter of the western half of the island.

Watersports

The main beach at Rabbit Island is a safe swimming location, popular with locals and tourists.

Walking

There is a perimeter road just above the beach around most of the island, popular with local walking groups. The public are not permitted to enter the forestry plantations.

Wildlife

The tidal waters also provide sustenance for many different sea birds. These include the white heron, royal spoonbill, shags and oyster catchers.

Fishing

The area around the Rabbit Island bridge is a popular spot for white-baiters, while surf-casting can be productive from the front beach.