Rabbit Island / Moturoa
Moturoa
A low, sandy island of pine forest in Tasman Bay, with an 8 km beach for picnics, swimming and cycling. It's connected to the mainland by a bridge.
Rabbit Island (Māori: Moturoa) is a low, flat sandy island about 20 minutes' drive from Nelson, connected to the mainland by a bridge. Its north coast is an 8 km stretch of quiet beach, with pine forest and barbecue picnic areas behind it, and families often come here to swim in summer. The Great Taste Trail cycle route runs right through the island, and you can take a small ferry from Māpua to get there. Overnight stays are not permitted on the island, and the entrance gates close in the evening, so check the signs on site for times.
Opening hours
Daytime only (closed at night)
Nearby sights
- Māpua Wharf
- Tasman's Great Taste Trail
- World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum
- Tahunanui Beach
- Nelson Market
- Queens Gardens
- Nelson Provincial Museum
- Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson