Rabbit Island

Rabbit Island is just 15 minutes drive from Nelson. It is the largest of a group of sandy islands lying in the Waimea Estuary at the head of Tasman Bay.  Along the seaward side there is more than eight kilometers of safe sandy beach.  Rabbit Island is a very popular picnic spot for locals and tourists. The island is reachable by a bridge that crosses the estuary behind the island. Much of the island is covered in pine plantations, with a public picnic area in the middle of the front beach.  You will also find barbecues, dressing sheds and toilets provided to cater for the many visitors who come to relax throughout the year and during the peak holiday season.

The beach is a vast stretch of pure sand with a relatively safe and shallow surf to swim, kayak, windsurf or just splash around in. 

Apart from the beach activities, the island caters for many other forms of outdoor recreation.  There is a perimeter road just above the beach around most of the island, popular with walking and cycling groups.

Local artists and photographers enjoy capturing the beautiful views of the inlet and mountains, especially on a calm sunny winters day.

The gates are closed at sunset and there is no overnight stays allowed so be ready to leave before it gets dark. There is a large sign near the entrance gates which lets you know what time the gates will be closing that day (in the middle of summer its around 9pm).