Rabbit Island

📍 Local Knowledge

Rabbit Island in Nelson - Tasman Bay is a reasonably exposed beach break that only works when conditions are just right and has no particular seasonal pattern. The best conditions occur when a North-northwest swell (a mix of groundswells and windswells) combines with an offshore wind direction from the South-southwest, though it offers some shelter from southwest winds and is easily blown out by onshore breezes. The beach break primarily consists of lefts and performs best around high tide. It very rarely gets crowded here, offering a quiet experience for those who time it correctly. The best time of year for consistent, clean waves is during the winter, particularly the month of June.