Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sundowner Sailing
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 50 minutes
Mobile ticket
An idyllic way to kick off a summer evening in the Bay of Islands, with a special tall ship experience that takes in the beautiful inner harbour. Feel the lift of the sea breeze as it fills the sails, relax and enjoy the ride with a cool drink, or get involved in the sailing - haul the rigging, try your hand on the helm. This 2-hour tour runs on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Light finger food is included and a cash bar is available. Includes return ferry transfers to Russell - the perfect excuse to stay there for dinner!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
What To Expect
Paihia Harbour
Paihia is a bustling tourist town in the Summer - lots of restaurants, eateries, shops and beaches. Spend as long as you want there.
R. Tucker Thompson
Location where folks book with the Tucker and other attractions, there's a nice souvenir shop and restaurant as well.
Options
Departing Paihia
26 Dec 2023 - 6 Jan 2024
Departing Russell
Tall Ship Sundowner Sailing
Departing Paihia
Tall Ship Sundowner Sailing
Departing Russell
26 Dec. 2023 - 6 Jan. 2024
What‘s Included
Wet weather gear (if required)
Licensed bar on board
Cruise of the inner Bay of Islands on the tall ship, the R. Tucker Thompson.
Shared Antipasto Platter
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
111 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best crew, great trip, highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
heatherbG9007IH,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I went on the boat for my birthday with my mum. I didn’t realise how good of an experience we were going to have! The crew was genuinely the best and made the entire experience. The food was great, banter was on, we had the best day ever. Thank you for making my birthday what it was ❤️🔥
Very relaxing and enjoyable
eh10,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The sundowner sail was a really lovely way to spend an evening in the beautiful Bay of Islands. The crew were great – friendly and knowledgeable, and made it all look effortless. Thank you for a lovely sail, and for all the amazing work you do.
A great experience
216lesr,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fabulous evening sail. Great knowledgeable, fun crew. Well worth the money and highly recommended.
Unique !! 👍 Fantastic
Martina S,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just a great experience and great team ! Even if it wasn't a sunset like in the picture book, we had a lot of fun! And to our surprise, dolphins accompanied us for a while!
Great way to spend a couple of hours.
F9288FLpetert,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great fun. Very friendly and helpful young crew. Nice sail under full sail and a chance to climb the main mast. Free nibbles and a pay bar/ cooler. Back in time for dinner at The Duke of Marlborough.
Unique
MrsWinter4,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00For us, this was a must-do so that we could see Russell and its beautiful surroundings from the sea. To do this on a tall-ship was a wonderfully unique experience. The crew were very friendly and full of information. It's a relaxing sail and very calm...too calm as there wasn't enough wind to get us very far in the hour out and back journey but that didn't stop us from climbing the rigging and shouting "Land Ahoy!" Would recommend.
Fantastic experience
Christine B,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a very special trip on a very special ship. The staff were all very passionate about their work and made sure the guests were well looked after. The trays of antipasto nibbles were a nice touch. They took time to encourage the children to take the helm. It was wonderful to see the huge sails being unfurled. Happy to thoroughly recommend I can t
Wonderful sail in a beautiful ship
Philip G,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Superb experience sailing a stunning schooner in the Bay of Islands. Crew were fun and informative. It's a not for profit that supports sail training for young people, funded in part by taking paying tourists in the summer season
Just honest lovely Experience
Leeanne G,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wr had a lovely time with our 8 year old daughter who climbed to top sail. Was amazing. Great experience, amazing to see women owning the sea with such amazingness!!! Highly recommended!!!!!!!
Beautiful experience
Sergiy B,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice experience. A 2-hour late afternoon excursion aboard the famous traditional sailboat R. Tucker Thompson. Sailing could be assisted and breathtaking views of the Bay of Islands could be enjoyed.
Related Experiences
Operated by R. Tucker Thompson