15 minutes drive from Richmond, along its seaward side there is more than eight kilometres of safe sandy beach. This is the largest picnic area in the district.

Much of the island is covered in pine plantations owned by the Tasman District Council. The Council has set aside a large area of land adjacent to the beach as a public reserve.

The beach and public reserves are open for use during daylight hours only throughout the year and may be closed during times of high fire risk.

Conifer Park Mountain Bike Tracks lie to the west of the Rabbit Island picnic areas. Conifer Park has 2 kilometres of singletrack suitable for riders of all abilities. In the weekend "The Secret Side of Moturoa Bike Track" is open around the perimeter of the western half of the island.

There is a perimeter road just above the beach around most of the island, popular with local walking groups. The public are not permitted to enter the forestry plantations.

The area around the Rabbit Island bridge is a popular spot for white-baiters, while surf-casting can be productive from the front beach.

The main beach at Rabbit Island is a safe swimming location, popular with locals and tourists. The back beach has a boat ramp adjacent to a water skiing area. Both beaches are monitored as part of the Swimming Water Quality monitoring programme.

The tidal waters also provide sustenance for many different sea birds. These include the white heron, royal spoonbill, shags and oyster catchers.