Attractions

Rabbit Island is a safe and scenic beach just a short drive from the Richmond town centre. Originally formed approximately 7000 years ago when a series of barrier islands developed near the mouth of the Waimea River, Rabbit Island is the largest of three sandy islands in the Waimea Estuary.

A local favourite all year round, you’ll often find families, couples and groups of friends enjoying the BBQ facilities and picnic areas that backdrop the beach and cover the reserve. Christmas is particularly popular, and a day spent at Rabbit Island has become somewhat of a tradition for many kiwi families as they light up the barbies, play lawn games, splash around in the ocean and relax on the beach.

The 13km beach is connected with the Mapua Village by a cycle ferry, which transports cyclists travelling on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail to the next point in their journey. The bridge that connects Rabbit Island with the mainland offers a range of sightseeing pleasures for those travelling along the trail, and sightings of the diverse birdlife that play in the peppercress bushes of the estuary are not uncommon.

The various access roads that dissect the Rabbit Island Recreation Reserve can be a little confusing, but the best way to identify your location is by the names of the various picnic areas, or the signs along the foreshore indicating the beach access points.

Note: Rabbit Island is a monitored reserve that is closed overnight. The gates near the entrance are usually shut shortly after dark, but the exact time varies throughout the year.

Even closer (less than  than a 2-minute walk) you’ll find   freshly baked bread and  pastries at the Village Bakery , the library, 4 Square supermarket, gift shop, pharmacy, hair dresser , Perry’s automotive and petrol station,  the  Sprig and Fern Tavern,  the Java Hut, and of course a wide range of soical activities at the Mapua Community Hall. .

From the Village you can take your bike on the Mapua Ferry to explore Rabbit Island or cycle up into the Moutere Hills or north to Ruby Bay. The Great Taste Cycle Trail continues on to Motueka, and Kaiteriteri, from where the golden sand beaches and native bush of the Abel Tasman National Park beckon. 

The Great Taste Trail (175 kms) is made up of three stunning sections which are all very different, the Rail route, Coastal route and Valley route. Tastes are often associated with food, but on the Great Taste Trail the taste comes in many  ways, shapes and forms. With Spectacular coastal scenery with estuaries and sea birds to the peaceful valleys, following rivers with great swimming spots, hop gardens, orchards and beautiful scenery. Along your journey you will discover the local history through informative panels and signage. Nelson is known for the most sunshine hours, exquisite food, award winning wineries, the craft beer capital, Abel Tasman National Park, and its breath-taking Scenery. With that in mind, the Great Taste Trail rivals any European Cycle tour.

KAITERITERI

At any time of the year, standing on Kaiteriteri beach in the morning sun looking out at the bay will make your spirit soar. While it’s the perfect place to begin your journey by sea into the Abel Tasman National Park, it’s also the perfect place to linger, relax, and enjoy this truly stunning part of Nelson Tasman.

Kaiteriteri is a beloved holiday destination for many thousands of New Zealanders, with family memories and traditions often stretching back through the generations. With a range of accommodation including motels, lodges and campgrounds, and an array of extraordinary activities right on your doorstep, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy here.

During the summer months, you can join holiday-makers and families bathing on the beach, swimming in the sea, or paddling a kayak around the bay. If you're lucky, you may even see a waka (Māori canoe) gliding into the bay with its oars raised in greeting. But many locals will tell you Kaiteriteri is best visited in the autumn, winter, and spring months. The Kaiteriteri sunsets and sunrises are extraordinary to watch from the beach or a balcony, the water is at its calmest, the weather is crisp and cool but still mild, and the wildlife comes out to play, making it the perfect time to explore this natural sanctuary.

Many water taxis, larger boats, and sea kayak companies depart from Kaiteriteri, taking visitors deeper into the park, but you can also head over the hill to Marahau to connect on foot with the start of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.

Alternatively, the Kaiteriteri to Motueka section of Tasman's Great Taste Trail, one of New Zealands great rides, is often mentioned as the most beautiful part of the trail and is an ideal day trip for those who just want a small ‘taste’ of what the trail has to offer. As you depart the vibrant Motueka township, you'll weave along pretty country lanes past roadside fruit stalls and apple orchards, before arriving at the picturesque seaside.

The Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park is also an option for those who want to explore Kaiteriteri’s stunning recreation reserve, and its views over the Abel Tasman National Park. There are trails here to suit all mountain biking abilities, from beginner right through to expert.

So whether you choose to swim, take a scenic stroll, tear up the mountain bike trails, go for a leisurely cycle, or taste fresh, local produce at the beachfront cafes or restaurants, we guarantee you won't want to leave, and that you'll be eager to return.  

ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK

Camp under the stars, while away the days in a beautifully appointed lodge, and feel the sand between your toes as you walk along spectacular golden sand beaches at any time of year. It’s all possible in the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest and most popular national park.

The Abel Tasman Coastal Track follows a pristine coastline of extraordinary beauty. Clear, turquoise bays, abundant bird and sea life, and fresh, clean air surround you as you walk under the shady canopy of lush native forest. Birdsong rings through the treetops above, only interrupted by the call of the occasional small waterfall nestled in the midst of the park.

You can walk into the Park from the seaside village of Marahau, Canaan Downs (at the top of Takaka Hill) or from the picturesque Wainui Bay. Or, you can be dropped off at various points along the track by sea, paddle in by kayak, or be flown in to the airstrip in Awaroa Bay by plane or helicopter. Several water transport operators are based in Kaiteriteri and Marahau at the southern end of the Park, and many offer combo options so you can cruise, walk or kayak sections of the park at your own pace. 

Whether you have all the time in the world or just a few hours you can still make the most of being in this extraordinary place. Believe it or not, after a day out sightseeing you can refuel in the heart of the park, with hot coffee, cold beer or delicious food on offer at Awaroa Lodge. Other spectacular lodges are dotted along the coastline, nestled amongst sweeping sheltered bays and subtropical native forest. As you awake in paradise, with home-cooked breakfasts and idyllic sea views right on your doorstep, we guarantee you'll want to pinch yourself to make sure you're not dreaming. 

Here in Nelson Tasman, we consider ourselves guardians of our beautiful environment. We honour the very first guardians of this place; the Māori who lived along the coast for more than 500 years, gathering kai (food) from the sea and the forest. We celebrate this extraordinary history, and love to share this with the visitors who now walk in their footsteps. Simply by visiting, you contribute to helping us care for our national park for the benefit of our flora and fauna, and for future generations of locals and visitors to enjoy.

Several sustainability initiatives embrace and support our guardianship of this place including Project Janszoon, Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust, Tasman Bay Guardians and Abel Tasman Tree Collective. These organisations work to restore and revive the native plants, birds and wildlife in the park. If you wish, you can donate and support these charities, join in directly on one of our community planting days, or learn more about conservation with an eco tour in the park. 

1. Savour the taste of wine at the vineyards

2. Have a beer in New Zealand's oldest pub

3. Explore the diverse range of art galleries

4. Taste your way around the region

5. Head out on your bike to explore the Moutere

6. Hit a ball at the Tasman Golf Club

7. Visit Kina Cliffs and Beach

6. Hit a ball at the Tasman Golf Club