Rabbit Island
20km west of Nelson, you will find this beautiful 13km stretch of beach, Rabbit Island. A popular spot for all year round for relaxation, great for a picnic.
Rabbit Island (Moturoa) is the largest of a group of sandy islands lying in the Waimea Estuary at the head of Tasman Bay only 15 minutes drive from Richmond.
Covered in pine plantations owned by the Tasman District Council and set up as a public reserve. You will find barbecues, dressing sheds and toilets provided.
This is the largest picnic area in the district, a great place to hold any get together.
The public reserves are only open for use during daylight hours and may be closed during times of high fire risk.
The perimeter road is very popular for walking groups and ideal for joggers.
The tidal waters provide for a variety of sea birds, including the white heron and royal spoonbill as well as many other wading birds which can also be seen feeding as the tide moves in and out.