Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sundowner Sailing

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Overview

Available languages

English

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

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

1

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.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable
2

R. Tucker Thompson

Location where folks book with the Tucker and other attractions, there's a nice souvenir shop and restaurant as well.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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

Options

Departing Russell

26 Dec. 2023 - 6 Jan. 2024

Departing Russell

Tall Ship Sundowner Sailing

Departing Paihia

Tall Ship Sundowner Sailing

Departing Paihia

26 Dec 2023 - 6 Jan 2024

Reviews

4.89

108 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

99
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  • Great way to spend a couple of hours.

    F9288FLpetert,,Feb 21, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Great 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

    4.00

    For 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.

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  • Fantastic experience

    Christine B,,Feb 6, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    This 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

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  • Wonderful sail in a beautiful ship

    Philip G,,Feb 6, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Superb 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

    5.00

    Wr 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

    5.00

    Nice 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.

  • Wonderful experience.

    Culture25440709304,,Jan 30, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Wonderful experience, was the highlight of our holiday for my niece and nephews who got to climb the rigging and help out on deck. Cheese and nibbles were perfect, lovely friendly crew and skipper. Beautiful ship, thank you so much for sharing the experience with us.

  • Enjoyable

    V4353CElaurae,,Jan 28, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Lovely relaxing evening on the water. Fun for the kids climbing the rigging! Friendly staff and we were blessed with calm seas and lovely weather

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  • Traditional Sailing at it's Best

    aussiesailors,,Jan 19, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Fantastic late afternoon cruise, crew were helpful & friendly. Loved the ship and was able to help out on the fore sails.

  • Great time on the sailing ship

    Explore57887004830,,Jan 9, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    We had a wonderful trip on the R Tucker Thompson. The crew were all excellent; very helpful, and also both entertaining and educational with what they were telling us. The ship itself was great fun to be on - you could help out as much or as little as you wanted with the actual sailing; plus also for the adventurous, they offered opportunities to climb the rigging or climb out onto the bowsprit (with safety gear, of course). There was a great range of drinks available (extra cost); and the shared snack platter that was available had a great range of and generous amounts of food. All in all, a great afternoon out and would highly recommend.

From NZ$99.00

4.89
(108 reviews)