Jane and John are the hosts, along with children Ali (who owns Rabbit Island Coffee Co) and Jimi-Zara student nurse- who also works at Rabbit Island Coffee and Fox - at university in the US, but comes and works over summer months at Rabbit Island Coffee also. Jane is also a co-owner of HotHouse Communications, largish communications company based in Nelson and John looks after the property, while really wishing he was still living on the Gold Coast coaching soccer. Our latest project is Rabbit Island Huts - we started building in February 2016 to be ready for guests by November 2016. First phase is six huts, followed quickly by another four. Small spaces of luxury.

The property is 25 acres of paddocks (with lots of sheep and cows for neighbours) situated on the Waimea Plains, with 360 views of hills, mountains and estuary. Just down the road is Rough Island walking and biking tracks plus Equestrian Park, just bit a further is Rabbit Island - recreational/swimming area and stunning 13 km beach. We are located perfectly between Nelson and Golden Bay - close to everything, galleries, wineries, Mapua (8 min drive or catch the Ferry if biking from Rabbit Island - summer months only) for restaurants and cafes. We offer two accommodation types: Appleby House by The Room (three room types to choose from) with all facilities (boutique hotel experience) and Rabbit Island Huts - three ensuite huts and three shared facilities huts) small spaces of luxury a unique Kiwi experience. Outdoor fires and BBQs. Rural nature - plantings native to attract wildlife, overlooks Waimea Estuary a renowned bird watching area. and 200 meters from the Nelson Tasman Great Taste Trail, new cycle track which started development in 2014. We are also perfectly located to use as a base for Nelson's mountain biking tracks

Rural landscape - Waimea Plains, sky goes forever until you get to the mountains or Richmond Hills - sense of space and room to move. No neighbours - we are no 25 acres - Appleby House sits at the front of the property. Rabbit Island Huts sits closer to the road. Lots of apple trees, grapevines and sheep, plus you will see dairy herds if you take a walk along the stop bank. Lots of walking and cycling tracks, don't miss seeing the Clydesdales - gorgeous, see them on the cycle track between lower Queen Street and our road. 10 minute bike ride to the beach or 5 minutes to the river - all on the same road. Or 30 minute bike ride to catch the Ferry to take you to Mapua for cafes, restaurants and galleries. Seifried Winery & Petite Fluer (restaurant) at the end of our road. No public transport though, so you are best to be on a bike or have a car.