Since European occupation Rabbit Island (Moturoa) has been used for recreational purposes of the people of the Nelson Tasman area. Its original form of sand dunes and low scrub( and the introduction of rabbits in 1865) allowed for shooting and picnic excursions, either by boat or by dray at low tide. The long hard flat beaches were also favoured for horse racing

 

Parts of Rabbit and Rough Islands have in the past been set aside for gravel extraction and at one time as a Quarantine site for animals entering the area. This was shortly after passed over as it was deemed too easy for stock to escape from the island. In 1909 the whole island was set aside for recreational purposes

 

This was changed in 1920 when the majority of the island was passed from recreation to plantation use, with only the part taken by the Domain being set aside. Plantation reserves were vested in Waimea County Council, with the domain being passed to their control in1933.

 

The bio-solid project was started in 1996 after large scale trials showed the benefit to forestry of spreading these solids. There will be no need for the bio-solids project to stop. It would enhance the natural vegetation growth anticipated for the course significantly.