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

star-5212 Reviews
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Russell, New Zealand
Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on 'R. Tucker Thompson' Including BBQ Lunch
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Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on 'R. Tucker Thompson' Including BBQ Lunch
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From $102.52

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Number of travelers
0 Adults1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults5 Adults6 Adults7 Adults8 Adults9 Adults0 Children1 Child2 Children3 Children4 Children5 Children6 Children7 Children8 Children9 Children0 Infants1 Infant2 Infants3 Infants4 Infants5 Infants6 Infants7 Infants8 Infants9 Infants
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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icon5 hours 30 minutes  (approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds

Overview

Sail the Bay of Islands on a working tall ship aboard the famed ‘R. Tucker Thompson,’ built in the tradition of a 100-year-old Northland schooner. Ply the waters of the pristine bay, where you can help hoist the sails, climb the rigging or simply relax on board, then swim while anchored in a sheltered bay in the maritime park. Enjoy morning tea and a barbecue lunch, with an optional complimentary ferry ride from Paihia to Russell, where your vessel departs.
  • Half-day R. Tucker Thompson tall ship cruise in the Bay of Islands
  • Sail the waters on a replica vintage schooner
  • Bite into fresh scones, sip cream tea and enjoy a BBQ lunch served on board
  • Anchor at a secluded bay for a swim
  • Includes round-trip ferry transport from Paihia to Russell, if option selected
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From $102.52

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Cruise on board the "R. Tucker Thompson" tall ship
Coffee and/or Tea
BBQ lunch
Wet weather gear (if required)
New Zealand's Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Hotel pick up and drop off
Russell Booking and Information , The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand
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We provide free ferry transfers to and from Paihia to Russell

This activity will end right where it started.
Make your way to the Russell wharf and board the tall ship R. Tucker Thompson, a working Northland schooner that has sailed the world. If departing from Paihia, you’ll take the 30-minute Fullers Bay Belle Ferry across to Russell (round-trip ferry ticket included if selected at booking). 

Embark on a 5.5-hour sailing tour through the Bay of Islands, and enjoy the New Zealand tradition of morning tea with freshly baked scones and Devonshire tea brewed in the galley. You can take the helm, help set the sails or just catch the breeze on the spacious deck while you listen to tales from the crew about the tall ship's adventures at sea.

Your skipper anchors the R. Tucker Thompson in a sheltered cove at lunchtime. Step ashore at one of the bay’s secluded islands or swing from the yardarm and splash into the water for a swim. With all this sea air and activity you'll have a hearty appetite, taken care of by a tasty barbecue lunch cooked on board. 

Then climb the rigging to keep a lookout for fairy penguins, dolphins and seabirds on the return to Russell.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Paihia Harbour
Paihia is a bustling tourist town in Summer with plenty of activities, shops and restaurants/cafes and a beach. You can spend as much time or as little time as you want here.
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Duration: 2 hours 
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
R. Tucker Thompson
We have a counter in this building - come say hi! This is also where you can pick up ferry tickets, boarding passes and ask as many questions as you like.
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Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
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.
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Duration: 2 hours 
Admission Ticket Free
  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Please talk to us about any physical disabilities. We try hard to accommodate all travelers!
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 47 travelers
  • OPERATED BY R. Tucker Thompson
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "Great crew, well worth taking time out to go on this excellent sail training vessel." See review

Reviews

5.0
star-5
212 Reviews
5 stars
198
4 stars
11
3 stars
1
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Reviews by Viator travelers

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Showing 1-10 of 212 reviews
star-5
Better captain and crew compare to Captain Jack sparrow
Mayur_R
, Apr 2022
Ahoy fellow wannabe sailors... This trip provided best experience... ability to get involved in every task crew does, taste best chef quality food prepared by Aby and BBQ by captain himself.... and learning past present and future stories about the ship. Based on experience I would say, they are charging way less than what experience is worth.... best crew and best ship.
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icon Response from Host , Apr 2022
Argh fellow pirate! Thank you for your review.
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star-5
The crew were amazing!...
Barbara_T
, Mar 2022
The crew were amazing! Such a friendly happy group . The weather perfect for sailing and the crew so efficient at raising and lowering the sails.
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icon Response from Host , Mar 2022
Thanks for your review. Our crew loves sailing, and it shows.
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star-5
Wonderful day out, great...
Julia_W
, Jan 2022
Wonderful day out, great lunch, never to be forgotten. The best way to see the most beautiful bay in the world.
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2022
Julia, so pleased to hear you enjoyed the trip in our special part of the world. It is something different isn't it! Thank you for writing a review, we appreciate it. Nga mihi.
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star-5
Fantastic trip
Amanda_F
, Jan 2022
The trip was amazing. Great captain and staff. Great food and amazing ship. The day was filled with history brilliant experience.
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2022
Thank you for sailing with us and for taking the time to write this review, we appreciate it! Enjoy the rest of your holiday, thank you!
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star-5
Steve, Abbie and Michelle...
Angela_s
, Mar 2021
Steve, Abbie and Michelle were awesome. Very friendly and Steve was a real character, he had some very tall tales to tell hahaha It was our first time on a sail ship and loved everyy minute of it. I was a little disappointed that I had a shoulder injury and couldn't help out but there's always next time. Highly recommended Adventure 😁👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
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icon Response from Host , Mar 2021
Glad you enjoyed your time on board with Captain Uncle Steve! We'd love to see you again when you aren't carrying an injured shoulder, kia ora and thank you.
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star-5
Absolute Must Do
Kevin_D
, Feb 2021
Everything from the great crew to the other passengers. All were just nice. Having a school of dolphins playing around the boat was a real bonus.
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icon Response from Host , Mar 2021
Kia ora Thank you for your feedback - we're glad that there was a good atmosphere aboard - that's why we do this . While we don't seek out wildlife and follow the regulations regarding sea mammals, sometimes they come our way to say hello.
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star-5
Had a great trip and will do it again when we visit next time.
Liam_m
, Feb 2021
We had a great time from beginning to end. Crew friendly and happy to answer any question . Captain a genuine sailor so knows his stuff. You can help raise the sails if you want, sail the ship and climb the rigging or just enjoy the ride. When the sails are up and the engine is off, she is truly under sail and its great. In the winter season the ship is used for youth development.
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2021
Kia ora That is our favourite part too - when the engine is turned off and Tucker gets to do what she does best: sail! We are happy you enjoyed your experience. Thank you for your support!
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star-5
Fantastic experience
Wendy_B
, Jan 2021
Captain Wayne and the crew, the ship itself, the weather and the scenery. It was such fun and beautifully arranged and organised.
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2021
Kia ora We're thrilled you had such a great time - will pass on to the crew.
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star-5
Amazing day out for the Bullen family
Matt_B
, Jan 2021
Lets start with the crew, AMAZING!, Piper you have a huge future! The rest of the crew were fantastic, very skilled and communicative. The sailing experience was amazing, the ship was incredible, the lunch just blew us away. This wasn't one of the cheaper activities we have done but it was incredible value for money. Our son went to the top of the mast and both kids loved swinging from the rigging. We are so pleased that the youth of the far north will benefit from the funds raised by our tour. Thank you again all involved with the R. Tucker Thompson experience!
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2021
Thank you for the great review. Piper is one of our trainees and will be thrilled with your feedback. The rest of the crew will appreciate your kind words as well. We like to think the sailing is good value so appreciate your support. Kia ora!
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star-5
E xcellent trip. Best holiday experience.
Paul_H
, Nov 2020
Crew were very welcoming. Skipper was knowledgable and personable. Just enough commentary without being too much. Good sense of fun. Although I did not climb the rigging I enjoyed watching those braver than me. The luch and refreshments were excellent. Thank you for a great day.
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icon Response from Host , Nov 2020
Kia ora We're so happy you were able to join us on the ship and enjoyed the experience - we'll make sure to pass on your comments to the crew. Thank you for supporting our programmes and come again!
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star-5
The Highlight of North Island experiences
Kevin_K
, Mar 2020
One of the best experiences in all of New Zealand. A beautiful ship with THE BEST crew. Knowledgeable, enthusiastic. and willing to interact with everyone from small children to senior citizens. We truly sailed, saw beautiful islands, had porpoises swimming beside us for an hour, a fantastic "tea" with scones and clotted cream and a terrific lunch. They even celebrated two birthdays surprising both guests. AND it's all for a good cause, to boot.
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icon Response from Host , Mar 2020
Wow, thank you for your wonderful praise which I will share with the crew. They'll be thrilled to see your feedback as their aim is to give everyone the best experience of their holiday. Kia ora!
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star-5
Trip of a lifetime
Beverly_S
, Mar 2020
The trip was fantastic! I ticked off 3 bucket list items - and more. The 3 from my list were 1) swing off the side of the ship and drop into the water, 2) climb out and sit at the end of the bow sprint, and 3) climb the rigging to stand on the yard arm. The dolphins swimming right under me as I walked up the bow sprint was a magical bonus. The crew were friendly, knowledgeable and fantastic. We had the very good fortune to have Russel, the ships builder, as our captain. Even though it was a cloudy day with only light winds in the AM, it was a trip of a lifetime for me.
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icon Response from Host , Mar 2020
Thank you so much for your lovely review and we're so happy it ticked the bucket list items off. Our crew also love sailing with Russell, so much to learn from him and his experiences, so everyone had a great day. Mauri ora!
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star-5
Tall Ship Experience
Brian_T
, Mar 2020
Our day with Michael and the crew was fantastic. It was fun being asked to help set sail, and from then things got better. It was awesome being able to climb out onto the bowsprit and then later being invited to steer. The morning tea and lunch was amazing. Thanks everyone
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icon Response from Host , Mar 2020
Thank you for your review, we appreciate your feedback, kia ora!
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star-5
Awesome Day Out
Colin_B
, Mar 2020
Fantastic time aboard the R Tucker Thompson. The captain and the crew were first rate and made the day very enjoyable. Tea / coffee and warm scones in the morning and a chicken BBQ lunch fulfilled our needs admirably. Some of the more adventurous climbed the rigging - or more sedate a clamber over the bow on the front boom. The crew always on hand to keep eye on proceedings. From assisting with hauling up the sails to steering the boat - you can do as much or as little as you want. Time to explore Moturua island or merely chill on beach for an hour.
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star-5
Great day out
Krissy_H
, Mar 2020
Great sail, great crew, great ship. Knowledgeable crew. Fab lunch. It was lovelt spending the day on an Old Tall Ship. We have our own yacht so it was nice to work the sails etc on her
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star-5
Wonderful day
CharlesH_Pelanne
, Feb 2020
Excellent excursion: perfect day at sea in the wonderful Bay of Islands The skipper was great, professional and funny, the crew well trained and efficient 10/10
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star-5
We loved it!
WARRENSMAIL790
, Feb 2020
Fabulous day - the crew were lovely and my hubby loved the opportunity to join in sailing the ship. Highly recommended!
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2020
Kia ora, we're delighted you had a great time. Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback!
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star-5
Great day at sea
connieavery
, Feb 2020
Fantastic sailing trip, far more than I ever expected. Crew delightful, Maori stories of region captivating, food great, crew awesome. Loved it!
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star-5
A great day sail
rookesnest
, Jan 2020
Great crew, well worth taking time out to go on this excellent sail training vessel. Informational, local history. Hands on sailing encouraged!
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2020
Kia ora, very delighted you enjoyed your sail with us! Thank you for posting your feedback.
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star-5
Out on the water
Mark_W
, Jan 2020
It was a great day the boat was good the lunch was good and we had a great sail on the way back to Russell recommend to anyone to give it a go
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2020
Thank you for your feedback about your day on board our Good Ship. We are pleased you enjoyed it and delighted that the winds were favourable for you. Kia ora!
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