
Rabbit Island Moturoa
Moturoa/Rabbit Island: Miles of golden sand, free BBQs, and the world's longest place name. A perfect coastal escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm sun, calm waters

Rabbit Island Moturoa
Best Time
Warm sun, calm waters

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Moturoa/Rabbit Island: Miles of golden sand, free BBQs, and the world's longest place name. A perfect coastal escape.
"One of the best places and my favorite. Beautiful back length and breath. Much better than Tahunanui beach."

Bring all your food & drinks
No shops here! Pack everything you need for a picnic or BBQ. :shopping_bags:
Free BBQ facilities
Enjoy complimentary gas BBQs, but they can stick. Bring cooking spray! :fire:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Expansive Sandy Shores
The entire island coastline
Miles of pristine, golden sand perfect for long walks, swimming, and finding unique shells and driftwood.

Free Gas Barbecues
Designated BBQ areas
Enjoy a cookout with family and friends using the numerous free gas BBQs scattered across the island.

Disc Golf Course
Northern end of the island
A challenging and scenic disc golf course offering a fun activity amidst the natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Long Name
Pack for a Picnic Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring all your food & drinks
No shops here! Pack everything you need for a picnic or BBQ. :shopping_bags:
Free BBQ facilities
Enjoy complimentary gas BBQs, but they can stick. Bring cooking spray! :fire:
Long, beautiful beach walks
Perfect for strolls, swimming, and shell collecting. :shell:
Great for families
Safe swimming, plenty of space to play, and picnic spots. :familywomanwoman_boy:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring all your food & drinks
No shops here! Pack everything you need for a picnic or BBQ. :shopping_bags:
Free BBQ facilities
Enjoy complimentary gas BBQs, but they can stick. Bring cooking spray! :fire:
Long, beautiful beach walks
Perfect for strolls, swimming, and shell collecting. :shell:
Great for families
Safe swimming, plenty of space to play, and picnic spots. :familywomanwoman_boy:
Disc golf fun
Check out the developing disc golf course for an active afternoon. :frisbee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Rabbit Island Moturoa for its beautiful, long sandy beaches and excellent free BBQ facilities, making it a prime spot for picnics and family gatherings. While the BBQs can be a bit sticky, the overall experience is highly positive, with many appreciating the ample space and safe swimming conditions.
"Barbecues were free of charge to use, but they weren't very good to cook off the food sticks to the hot plate and is very hard to clean. The place is nice for picnics and gatherings ,"
Stefan Traber
"Love this place, easy to park up , good views around the bay, lovely long walks along the beach, kids were sea swimming and it looked safe. Loads of space to find a quiet spot under all the trees"
Brian & Diana Atkins
"Beautiful long beach, lots of shells and drift wood. Has parking and toilet facilities. Good for swimming."
Matt Graves
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rabbit Island (Moturoa) is located in the Tasman region of New Zealand. It's accessible by car and is a popular stop for those traveling up north from Wellington. There is ample parking available on the island, making it easy to access the beach and facilities.
Yes, Rabbit Island is well-signposted and a common destination for locals and tourists. It's a prominent feature along the coastline in the Tasman Bay area.
Absolutely! Rabbit Island offers plenty of parking spaces, which is a major plus for visitors, especially during peak season.
Public transport options directly to Rabbit Island are limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle or as part of a guided tour that includes the area.
Many visitors enjoy exploring Rabbit Island by bike, especially along the beach. It's also a fantastic place for leisurely walks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Rabbit Island Moturoa is a public reserve and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its natural beauty and facilities free of charge.
Rabbit Island is accessible year-round during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times for the general public access.
The gas barbecues at Rabbit Island are available on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require advance booking.
While camping vans can park, it's advisable to check local council regulations regarding overnight stays, as specific rules may apply.
You'll find toilet facilities, changing rooms, and numerous free gas BBQs. There are also open grass areas perfect for games.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Rabbit Island is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and long beach walks. There's also a disc golf course and plenty of space for games like frisbee and cricket.
Yes, the waters around Rabbit Island are generally safe for swimming, with many visitors enjoying a dip.
As the name suggests, rabbits are present, though sightings can vary. You'll also likely see various seabirds along the coast.
Yes, toilet and changing room facilities are available and spotted throughout the island for visitor convenience.
While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, it's generally recommended to check local bylaws regarding pets in public reserves.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no shops, cafes, or restaurants on Rabbit Island. Visitors must bring all their own food and drinks.
The island offers numerous free gas BBQs. While convenient, some reviews mention they can be difficult to clean and food may stick.
Absolutely! Rabbit Island is a prime spot for picnics, with vast open spaces and beautiful beach views.
Unfortunately, there are no potable water fountains or drinking water sources available on the island. It's crucial to bring ample drinking water.
Pack sandwiches, snacks, fruits, and plenty of water. If planning a BBQ, bring your own cooking utensils and any desired marinades or seasonings.
📸 📸 Photography
The long, sandy beaches, driftwood, and the expansive coastline offer stunning photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
While drone usage is generally permitted in many open spaces, it's always wise to check for any local restrictions or regulations before flying. The open nature of the island could offer great aerial shots.
Instagram content often features the beautiful beach landscapes, people enjoying picnics and BBQs, and sometimes artistic shots inspired by the island's natural elements.
The sheer length of the beach and the unique driftwood scattered along the shore are often focal points for photographers. The disc golf course also provides a unique backdrop.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for capturing the island's scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With plenty of open space on both the beach and the grassy areas, children have ample room to run around, play games like frisbee or cricket, and burn off energy. The availability of free BBQs makes it easy to plan a relaxed family picnic or cookout. Just remember to pack all your food and drinks, as there are no shops on-site.
💰 Budget Travelers
Your main expense will be the cost of your food and drinks, which you can significantly reduce by packing your own picnic. The long, beautiful beach offers endless free entertainment, from swimming and sunbathing to exploring for shells and driftwood. It's an ideal spot for a day trip or even an extended stay if you're self-sufficient, offering a high-value experience without the hefty price tag.
couples
Consider visiting during the quieter weekday afternoons or the magical golden hours of sunrise or sunset for a more intimate experience. The island provides a beautiful backdrop for creating lasting memories together, away from the hustle and bustle.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Long Place Names
Many travelers find the story behind the long name quite amusing and a great conversation starter. It's often mentioned as a must-see quirky fact when visiting the region. The island itself, however, stands on its own merits as a stunning coastal escape, offering miles of sandy beaches and recreational opportunities.
Recreational Activities at Moturoa
Beyond beach activities, the island boasts free gas barbecues, making it a popular spot for picnics and gatherings. For those seeking a more active pursuit, the disc golf course is a notable feature, offering a fun challenge amidst the scenic surroundings. Bike rides are also a popular way to explore the island's length.
With its diverse offerings, from relaxing beach days to active recreation, Moturoa/Rabbit Island caters to a wide range of visitors looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Tasman region.
Planning Your Picnic or BBQ
The island is equipped with numerous free gas barbecues, which are a major draw for visitors. While incredibly convenient, some users have noted that the hot plates can be sticky and difficult to clean, so bringing a non-stick spray or your own cooking foil is a good idea. The open grass areas and the beach itself provide ample space for spreading out a picnic blanket and enjoying a meal with a view.
Remember to pack out everything you pack in to help keep this beautiful natural reserve pristine for everyone to enjoy.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit