Rabbit Island (Moturoa), Richmond

Due to the December 2011 rain event, the picnic areas at Rabbit Island front beach area have acted like little basins and filled up with water and are quite badly flooded.  The Rural Fire Network have been pumping the water away over the last few days to ensure that the area was avilable to the public over the holiday season.

The Rabbit Island Picnic area will be open to the public from Christmas Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Amenities

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.

• Picnic
• Barbeque
• Toilets (including fully accessible)
• Walking
• Swimming
• Beach Access
• Boat Ramp
• Mountain bike tracks

View map of recreational facilities on Rabbit Island

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.

View map of mountain bike tracks on Rabbit Island

Watersports

The main beach at Rabbit Island is a safe swimming location, popular with locals and tourists. The back beach has a boat ramp adjacent to a water skiing area. Both beaches are monitored as part of the Swimming Water Quality monitoring programme.

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.

Management

The reserve is managed by Tasman District Council. Revenue from the forestry operation enables the Council to provide and maintan the public facilities. No other commercial activity of any kind is permitted on the Island.