Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch
Overview
Available languages
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.
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
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
384 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great sea experience
jackietZ5589NE,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great day on the ship helping with raising the sails and climbing the riggings. Such an interactive experience you can do as much or as little as you want. The crew were all great and very informative about the ship. Would recommend it to anyone.
Wondetful way to see the Bay of Islands
paulsX1095PM,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Amazing day well worth it, great boat and scenery
Great dat Tall Ship Sailing
SuziMOwen,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic experience, highly recommended. Crew are fabulous, friendly and entertaining. The food was good. Just a memorable day.
Unforgettable day out
Georgina564,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip was amazing. Right from the start the Captain and crew were helpful and friendly. We were able to help the crew set the sails and get underway. Then we were provided with some lovely scones with jam and cream and a hot drink. Later, while still under sail, we were given the opportunity to climb the rigging. That was an unexpected bonus and made for an unforgettable experience.
Another fantastic day with R Thompson Tucker
Tbay23,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our second trip on the Thompson Tucker and it was as fabulous as we remembered. The crew were engaged, informative, friendly and professional. There was a wide range of age groups and yet for the 4 year old who had a go climbing the rig with his parents to the 70 pluses who leapt of the boat and swam to those who just sat back and relaxed all had big smiles of delight and enjoyment. Great morning tea and lunch. Wonderful day out and even better knowing the funds from this trip help towards taking the youth development programme,
It was nice to experience...
Brenda C,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00It was nice to experience sailing on a tall ship. The island we stopped at was amazing. The boat was too crowded and difficult to find a place to sit. It would have been nice if the staff provided some commentary on the coastline and surrounding area. Staff were very pleasant and very accommodating for those who wished to climb the ropes.
She’s a beautiful ship...
Ken O,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00She’s a beautiful ship with a great crew! We had great weather for a fine gentle sail. The island stopover had a fantastic lookout point. Swimmers enjoyed the gorgeous sheltered beach of the isle, plus diving off the ship at anchor. I and many others helped hoist sails, coil rope lines, and try out climbing the rigging. All in all a joyful sail!
Must do
687matthewn,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super time. Great crew. Beautiful scenery. Lots of fun.
Beautiful day out
jilldL32UE,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thoroughly enjoyed our trip the crew were fabulous, knowledgeable, professional & friendly - nothing was too much trouble as they made the day memorable. The sailing was great and enjoyable we could help out on the boat if we wished. The food was excellent and the sail around the bay of islands was beautiful. We swam off the side of the boat when moored up and was able to climb the rigging again if we wished. Overall it was enjoyable, relaxing and wonderful to be out at sea in the most beautiful tall ship - Thank you & I highly recommend the trip.
Best tour of our vacation.
stephenwK2951JP,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour around the bay, great experience on a sailing ship. Captain Pete and his outstanding crew of Myra, Delta and Tilly really looked after us well, encouraged us to help sail the ship, climb the rigging and have a great time.
From NZ$179.00
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