Moturoa / Rabbit Island is a small island located in the southernmost part of the Tasman Bay, in the northern coast of New Zealand's South Island. It lies across the southernmost part of Tasman Bay, at the top of New Zealand's South Island. The long narrow island runs east-west for 8 kilometres , and covers 15 km2 . It lies opposite the mouth of the Waimea River, 7 kilometres to the west of Richmond and was formed about 7000 years ago as several barrier islands accumulated near the mouth of the Waimea River. There is evidence of Maori occupation for over 800 years. The original vegetation comprised tussock, manuka scrub and totara forest further inland. The Rabbit Island Recreational Reserve contains three islands, Rabbit Island, Rough Island and Bird Island, and became a public reserve in 1908. Rabbit Island, with its long, safe swimming beach is a popular beach resort to the residents of Motueka, Wakefield, Brightwater, Richmond, Mapua, Stoke and Nelson itself. A medium-sized causeway spans a tidal area and joins the mainland to Rabbit Island itself. There is a large grassed area after this bridge and a Fire Hazard sign . Large areas of the relatively flat islands are covered in pine plantation forest. The beach proper contains vast and mountainous sand dunes topped with masses of cone-bearing pines, with exposed roots, extending for long distances along the island. The Tasman's Great Taste Trail, a cycleway running from Richmond to Motueka, runs through Rabbit Island. There is also a newly established equestrian area. The reserve area is closed to the public from dusk to 5 am. In August 2014, the name of the island was officially altered to Moturoa / Rabbit Island.
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