Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch
Overview
Available languages
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.
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.
What‘s Included
Wet weather gear (if required)
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 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.
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.
Reviews
348 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lovely experience
cadiea2000,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Easy welcoming experience from arrival at Paihia wharf to leaving the boat. Lovely, friendly and interesting crew. Beautiful boat, interesting shore visit, delicious lunch, opportunity to swim and climb the rigging adding to a great all round experience while looking at the islands.
You will not be disappointed
richardbH6458WZ,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Most excursions are ok at best. This one was amazing. Great sailing experience. Anchored at an island for a hike and a swim. Lunch was fantastic and drinks were available for sale on board. Very reasonable. Would highly recommend if you are a sailing or tall ship buff. They even let you climb the rigging, bow sprit or man the helm. BZ
a day of sailing
883denniso,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00wonderful day sailing, with time at a small island that had spectacular views after a 10 minute hike. Crew members were all superb, competent and helpful. One of our favorite day trips ever.
Amazing experience, great cause.
Nicholas D,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00My partner and I recently went on the R. Tucker Thompson Bay of Islands Tall Ship tour, and it was amazing! The crew were friendly, and great immersing their guests in an interactive sailing experience. Every step of the way the crew made us feel comfortable and safe. They all had a great sense of humour and created a fun -filled environment for everyone. Best part is, by booking this tour, guests directly support Northland youth participate in 7-days voyages. We would recommend this tour to anyone who ends up in the Paihia-Russel area, it is well worth the time!
A unique sailing experience
old-jogger,,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00For me the most interesting part of this full day sail was to see how a traditional sailing vessel actually works. The crew (and sometimes passengers) under first mate Rachel’s directions were hauling lines to set, trim and lower sails. With the deck at an angle and skipper Peter (and sometimes a passenger) at the helm we tacked across Bay of Islands. We anchored in a beautiful cove, climbed to a lookout, learned about the meeting between the Māori and Captain Cook, and took a swim. Back on board we were treated to a tasty lunch, and could try out climbing the rigging (with safety harnesses) or using the onboard rope swing for a refreshing splash in the ocean. We also learned about the great youth programs for which the ship is reserved outside of the main tourist season. I’ve taken many tour boats, but never anything as good as this. Don’t miss it!
Awesome vintage sailing ship experience
Louis B,,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great experience on a beautiful day with just the right amount of wind to enjoy real sailing on a vintage 2 masted ship. Captain and crew excelled in both sailing and taking care of its passengers. We had the opportunity to climb the rigging and steer the vessel in open sea. We enjoyed an on board bbq lunch and cold alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks.we set foot on Robertson island and climbed to a vantage point to experience exquisite views of the bay os islands. Thanks for creating an awesome memory. L&G
Amazing fully interactive sailing trip on an old style schooner
Explorer59839903434,,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was excellent with the opportunity to hoist sails, steer the boat and even climb the rigging and sit out on the bow sprit. The crew were amazing - kind and calm, offering opportunities without being pushy. The skipper Alihi? (Alice) was calm and reassuring and as with the crew answered all questions and engaged fully with the visitors as much or as little as they wanted, and she created a calm and professional feel to the journey. The bonus was during a swimming opportunity in the bay we were joined by a pod of dolphins which was unplanned but amazing ! All in all a wonderful day on the water and one which I will remember l.
Setting sail on a tall ship
theaa25,,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is up there with one of the best things I have ever done. The skipper and crew were fantastic, you were given the opportunity to get amongst the work of setting sails etc or sitting back and enjoying the experience. We spent sometime one of the many islands, we learnt local history and had a great bbq lunch. You can climb the rigging if you choose,I recommend you do the view was amazing.
Memorable Sailing Adventure with Tasty Food
368yueq,,May 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were a group of three friends and had a fantastic time, despite the weather not being perfect. One of the highlights was setting sail and even getting the chance to steer the boat ourselves for a while — such a unique and fun experience! The staff were very professional and friendly, making us feel safe and welcome throughout. The food on board was also delicious. Overall, it was a memorable and enjoyable trip, great for friends and families alike.
Epic adventure on the high seas – unforgettable day!
TrailBlazer668445,,Apr 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sailing on the R. Tucker Thompson was hands-down one of the most exciting and memorable experiences of our entire trip! This is not just a tour—it’s a full-blown adventure from start to finish. Climbing the mast was an absolute thrill (and yes, the views from up there are next level!), and swinging from a rope into the crystal-clear water made us feel like real pirates living the dream. I even swam all the way from the ship to the island—what a feeling! The beach was gorgeous, the water was perfect, and it was just the right mix of chill and challenge. The delicious BBQ lunch onboard was the perfect reward after all the action—fresh, filling, and full of flavour. Whether you're there for the sailing, the swimming, or just soaking up the stunning Bay of Islands scenery, there's something for everyone. The crew were amazing—knowledgeable, fun, welcoming, and clearly passionate about what they do. They made everyone feel safe and part of the experience, whether we were hoisting sails or jumping off the ship. And the best part? The value for money on this tour is outstanding. For everything you get packed into one incredible day, it’s worth every cent and then some. If you're looking for a truly unforgettable way to explore the Bay of Islands—this is it. Don’t miss it! Love Kal, Sam and Jah
From NZ$179.00
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Operated by R. Tucker Thompson