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Bay of Islands Tall Ship: Scenic Maritime Park Cruise
4.9
384 Ratings
Russell
Experience the thrill of sailing on the historic R. Tucker Thompson tall ship in the Bay of Islands. Enjoy a BBQ lunch and support youth development voyages.
Experience the thrill of sailing on the historic R. Tucker Thompson tall ship in the Bay of Islands. Enjoy a BBQ lunch and support youth development voyages.
Duration:
5 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- 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.
- 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.
What's Included
- Cruise on board our tall ship, the R. Tucker Thompson
- Chicken BBQ lunch
- Freshly made scones, with cream and jam
- Tea and coffee
- Cash bar on board (inc. alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages)
- Return ferry ticket, Paihia-Russell (if required)
- Cruise on board our tall ship, the R. Tucker Thompson
- Chicken BBQ lunch
- Freshly made scones, with cream and jam
- Tea and coffee
- Cash bar on board (inc. alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages)
- Return ferry ticket, Paihia-Russell (if required)
What's Not Included
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Hotel pick up and drop off
Additional Information
Discover the serene waters of the Bay of Islands aboard the classic tall ship, the R. Tucker Thompson, for a genuine experience of the region’s sailing tradition. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, there’s something for everyone in the family! Participate in hoisting the sails, climbing the rigging, and exploring hidden beaches. Alternatively,…
Discover the serene waters of the Bay of Islands aboard the classic tall ship, the R. Tucker Thompson, for a genuine experience of the region’s sailing tradition. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, there’s something for everyone in the family! Participate in hoisting the sails, climbing the rigging, and exploring hidden beaches. Alternatively, unwind and enjoy the journey with a delightful lunch and a refreshing drink from our licensed bar. As a non-profit charitable trust, all profits support youth development voyages conducted during the winter months. It’s a win-win for all!
- Please talk to us about any physical restrictions or disabilities. We try hard to accommodate all travellers, but some wheelchairs may not be suitable.
Location
Russell Wharf, Russell, Bay of Islands
The Strand
Departs Russell Wharf: Complimentary ferry tickets avail from any Paihia Info centre by 9.15am. Depart 9.30am Paihia, boarding in Russell 9.45am
Returns Russell wharf 3.30pm. Ferries back to Paihia depart every 20 min. Some delays
*Cruise ship passengers please check ship tender times before booking
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(384 Ratings)
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1 star
Suzimowen
Mar 23, 2026
Great dat Tall Ship Sailing - What a fantastic experience, highly recommended. Crew are fabulous, friendly and entertaining. The food was good. Just a memorable day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Georgina564
Mar 21, 2026
Unforgettable day out - This 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tbay23
Mar 15, 2026
Another fantastic day with R Thompson Tucker - This 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,
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ken_o
Mar 11, 2026
She’s a beautiful ship... - She’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!
Review provided by Viator
687matthewn
Mar 10, 2026
Must do - Super time. Great crew. Beautiful scenery. Lots of fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jilldl32ue
Mar 10, 2026
Beautiful day out - Thoroughly 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephenwk2951jp
Mar 10, 2026
Best tour of our vacation. - Excellent 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherry_b
Mar 7, 2026
Tall Ship excursion - Great crew. Very hands on experience. Everyone was given every opportunity to help with raising/lowering the masts and steer the ship. Love that the money from our fees go towards programs to teach young students, on week long outings, learning of managing the ship. Lunch was great. Although the day was a bit breezy, some did brave the cooler air for a dip in the ocean. Would definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Paulsx1095pm
Mar 24, 2026
Wondetful way to see the Bay of Islands - Amazing day well worth it, great boat and scenery
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brenda_c
Mar 15, 2026
It was nice to experience... - It 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.
Review provided by Viator
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