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 (370 reviews)

Overview

Available languages

English

5 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Explore the idyllic waters of the Bay of Islands on board our traditional tall ship, the R. Tucker Thompson, to get an authentic taste of the area's sailing heritage. From adventure to relaxation - something for all the family! Help hoist the sails, climb the rigging and explore the secluded beaches. Or sit back and soak in the experience, with a delicious lunch and a cool drink from our licensed bar. We are a non-profit charitable trust, and any profits help fund the youth development voyages we operate during winter months. Everyone wins!

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

Please talk to us about any physical restrictions or disabilities. We try hard to accommodate all travellers, but some wheelchairs may not be suitable.

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

Cash bar on board (inc. alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages)

Chicken BBQ lunch

Freshly made scones, with cream and jam

Return ferry ticket, Paihia-Russell (if required)

Cruise on board our tall ship, the R. Tucker Thompson

Coffee and/or Tea

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

370 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

348

Best trip ever! Can't recommend enough!
Enrica J,,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
As a sailor who has taken friends and family on day cruises, it was a real treat to be on the receiving end for once! The crew are fun, easy-going and knowledgeable, all to happy to chat with you. The food was incredible, especially knowing the constraints of working in a galley at sea! And we were spoiled with entertainment, walking up Motuarohia, jumping from the rope swing, and even getting a dolphin show! Knowing this is all for a good cause is just the cherry on top.
Family fun in the Bay
Trail40169507497,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our family had such an amazing time on the R Tucker. Highly recommended if you're visiting the Bay
Wonderful tall ship supporting a charity
Road14952295127,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This is an amazing day out on a tall ship. They encourage people to help sailing the boat. If you are adventrous you can climb the rigging and do rope jumps into the water. Otherwise just relax and enjoy the trip in the beautiful bay of Islands
Great fun day out on the water
Cat P,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Really fun way to explore the Bay of Islands. Super friendly crew, delicious food and a chance to swim in the clear blue waters from the beach and off the side of the ship. Highly recommended.
Best trip I’ve done in a long time.
Micemurders,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was outstanding, I would unreservedly recommend. The crew and volunteers were so friendly and good at engaging all the guests at a level appropriate to each person’ s interest , and ability. They made sure that everyone was given the confidence to try out all the activities available. Yes, I loved climbing the rigging ; never thought I’d do that ! We were lucky with the weather as it was quite windy and there was a chance to really put the sails to good use. It was definitely an adventure.
Lovely sail around the...
Pi J,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Lovely sail around the Bay of Islands. We stopped at one and had the opportunity to swim, walk around the Island and even jump off the boat (with a rope swing). Got to help out hauling on lines and experience sailing on a tall ship.
Fabulous!
ChrisThompo1,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fabulous!! Wonderful day on a beautiful ship with an excellent skipper and crew!! Destination for lunch was amazing as was the swimming!! Highly recommended - and font forget your money goes to the charity enabling kids to experience a week on board learning life skills!!
Wonderful sailing trip
Petracita,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wonderful saling trip in the Bay of Islands. Highly recommended. Excellent fun, super friendly and competent crew!! Would do it again anytime.
Relaxing
Taravanis,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fun and very relaxing, (though if you want a little exercise, the crew will gladly rope you in - pun intended). The crew really looked after all their guests. Highly recommended.
A truly wonderful day
ianaI8527WO,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This for us was a choice between this beautiful two- masted, fully rigged “tall-ship” and a more modern racing yacht. We chose the R Tucker Thompson and are so glad we did. This was a wonderful day (10:00 to 15:30) with a crew who were all expert sailors but who were all, without exception, welcoming, friendly, caring and courteous. We motored out to an island for a swim and beautifully presented BBQ lunch, but came back under full canvas - a memorable experience. The morning cream scones were mouth-watering. The unexpected dolphin pod playing alongside the ship a treat. And to top it off, to be singled out and thanked by one of the crew who had painted the image of the ship, for buying her postcards was lovely. If that wasn’t enough, then think on that your ticket price is helping fund character-building, youth sailing courses. Needless to say we heartily recommend.