Access to the island is open.
Please be aware that due to commercial forestry operations, roads and tracks on some sections of the island may be closed at any time. Closures will be signposted. See more information (pdf 6.9 MB) about the cycling tracks that are generally open.
Upland game bird hunt
Public access to the eastern half of Moturoa / Rabbit Island will be closed between 7.00 am – 2.00 pm on Saturday 30 May (rain day Sunday 31 May) while an organised game bird hunt takes place. The closure will include all the beachfront at the eastern end.
Fish & Game organises the hunt, which is permitted under the Moturoa / Rabbit Island Reserve Management Plan. For more details, contact Jacob Lucas at Nelson Marlborough Fish & Game on [email protected].
Horse track closed until 30 June
Due to forestry harvesting operations, the horse track is closed from Boat Ramp Road through to the reserve end.
There are no alternative routes and horse riders wanting to access the front beach will need to drive to the Old Domain to unload. The front beach remains open. Apologies for the inconvenience.
No firewood collection
There is no public firewood collection available on Moturoa/Rabbit or Rough Island. Health and safety requirements do not permit chainsaw use or access into the commercial forest areas.
Opening hours
Open during daylight hours only. The large signs at the gate and at the entrance to the reserve area indicates the time the gates will be locked each evening.
Help, I got locked in!
If you find yourself behind the gate after this time you will need to park in the reserve and call someone to pick you up. You can return the following day to collect your vehicle once the gate has been unlocked.
Map of Moturoa Rabbit Island front beach reserve
General information
- Visitors are asked to keep to the marked trails and obey all signage.
- Logging is in progress and trucks are in constant use.
- Please use caution, particularly at intersections.
- Dogs are not permitted on Moturoa / Rabbit Island. They are welcome on Rough Island.
- Moturoa Rabbit Island Reserve Management Plan 2016.pdf (pdf 2.7 MB)
Forest harvesting
Due to harvesting operations roads can close at any time. Please observe any operational signage and use alternative routes if necessary.
Dogs prohibited
Please note that dogs are prohibited on Moturoa / Rabbit Island.
Need help? Contact us
Phone 03 543 8400