Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch

Name: Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch
Price: 179 NZD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.92 (357 reviews)

Overview

Available languages

English

5 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

What better way to explore the peaceful waters of the Bay of Islands than on board the "R. Tucker Thompson" tall ship? This replica of a 100-year-old schooner looks just like a working ship of the 18th century and you can spend the day on board exploring the bays and beaches of this beautiful Maritime Park. Operated by a charitable trust, funds raised from our sailing go to support our youth development voyages over winter.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please talk to us about any physical disabilities. We try hard to accommodate all travelers!

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Russell

Lovely town with plenty of character - easy to walk around - plenty of shops and restaurant, museum, and other attractions. You can spend time here before or after your sailing with us. Your ferry tickets can be used as early and late as you wish on the day of your sailing.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is a New Zealand enclave encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands next to the country's North Island.

5 hours • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Bar on board (inc. alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages)

Morning Tea with our famous scones

Coffee and/or Tea

Cruise on board the "R. Tucker Thompson" tall ship

BBQ lunch

Hotel pick up and drop off

Options

Departing Russell

Departing from Russell. The R.Tucker Thompson leaves Russell wharf at 10am sharp, returning at to Russell wharf at 3.30pm.
Morning tea and lunch: Morning tea with homemade scones and cream. BBQ lunch (vegetarian option available). Cash bar available.

Departing Paihia

Departing from Paihia. Includes return Fullers Bay Belle Ferry across to Russell. The R.Tucker Thompson leaves Russell wharf at 10am sharp, returning at to Russell wharf at 3.30pm.
Morning tea and lunch: Morning tea with homemade scones and cream. BBQ lunch (vegetarian option available). Cash bar available.

Reviews

4.92

357 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

335

Should be a compulsory trip for visitors.
RogueX10,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great cruise. Managed to get a good day with the weather. Crew were great and the island stop over was good spot for lunch.
Tall ship sailing
O9475MHkathyp,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Such a wonderful experience and run by an amazing team of dedicated people who are passionate about what they do. Took care of everyone on board and catered for all ability levels.
Sun, sea, sail and swim
davidtX928MP,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A great day out with a group of people i didn't know. Crew were great and I would recommend trying this trip. A little weather dependant.
Awesome day
942selenab,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very enjoyable and interesting sailing trip. The crew were very helpful and informative first time sailing so I really enjoyed it
Amazing experience!...
Nicholas C,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Amazing experience! Island hoping, rope swing off the boat into the ocean, an island hike to an amazing view of all of the Bay of Islands, and an amazing crew. Parking in town at “Williams Road Public Car Park” and a 15 min ferry from Paihia to Russell.
Fun for the entire family EVEN W/ TODDLERS
Shannon F,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We are a family of four. Our two children are 2 years old & 4 years old. The boat ride was brilliant for them & us! Seriously it’s perfect for all ages. My husband was able to host the sail & rope swing off the dock. My son was able to hop in the ocean off a side ladder in a PFD provided by the crew. My daughter had the best sea legs out of all of us but the hike on the island tuckered her out. After lunch she napped for the rest of the way home. If you have a chance, book this trip - you won’t be disappointed
R Tucker Thompson best way to experience Bay of Islands.
Jacqueline M,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This is a fantastic immersive, hands on experience with a really friendly and helpful crew who went above and beyond expectation. Our whole experience from start to finish will remain with us in our memories of New Zealand. We started our trip with a warm welcome aboard from the crew followed by a mug of tea and delicious scone with cream and jam accompanied with an unexpected sighting of dolphins. We had a fun immersive experience of helping the crew to lift the sails through our trip, the opportunity to climb up the rigging up to near the top of the tall sails, the stunning scenery of Bay of Islands, beautiful Island stop with stunning views and a swim in the sea plus a delicious lunch all included in the price. Best of all, the money we paid for the trip goes towards a youth sailing training scheme which gives young people the opportunity to learn new skills of how to sail and work on a sailing ship. Thank you so much everyone from the R Tucker Thompson ship for everything.
A great experience!
B9472HOmartins,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience. Loved the beauty of the area and doing it on an old sailing ship was an extra bonus. Got to help hoist the sails and even climb into the rigging. Great captain and crew. Loved the swim and island visit. You won't regret this trip. They also are helping and working with youth and these trips support that effort. Well worth it.
Fantastic day out, a real highlight of our trip.
jasonnmann,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing day out on the R Tucker Thompson, the crew were fantastic, a really interactive day(if you want it to be), everything you could want for a trip Around the bay of islands. Can’t recommend this highly enough. Thank you
Fantastic Day out
Curiosity64317546389,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Absoultly fantastic time on board with the team and trainees. 100% reccomend to anybody in the area. Clear safety briefing at the start of the day, life jackets for the small children on board (as well as anybody that wanted them), safety equipment for climbing the rigging, lovely walk at the island with lunch after. Swimming in the bay with a rope sqing off the jib and then a sail home after. Brilliant day.