Rabbit Island is one of a group of islands lying in the Waimea Estuary in the southernmost part of Tasman Bay. Located 20 km from Nelson, the island is a Tasman District Council public reserve with much of the land covered in pine plantations.
Home to various sea birds including the royal spoonbill and white heron, there is a 13 km stretch of sandy beach with the most popular section running along the seaward side.
Suitable for swimming, picnicking and various activities, facilities include BBQs, changing rooms and toilets.
The Tasman's Great Taste Trail cycleway also passes through.
Products and specialities
Island
Beach
Cycleway
Reserve
Swimming
Reviews
Rabbit Island is the perfect place fora romantic Valentine's Day Picnic. Shelter from the summer sun under the shady trees, cook up a storm on the barbecue or throw down a blanket and enjoy some gourmet treats together. And then walk hand in hand on the edge of the sand and enjoy the peace and quiet of one of Nelson's most beautiful places
Rabbit Island is one of Nelson’s favourite summertime beach hang outs. People flock here but it never seems to matter how busy it is, you can always find a shady spot to park, picnic, play cricket or just lie back with a book. The beach is flat and sandy, ideal for sandcastles and beach games, and the pine trees in the reserve behind provide welcome shade on hot days. There are barbecues, toilets, showers and changing rooms, and also some nice family orientated cycle tracks as well
