This 2-hour experience aboard a tall ship in the Bay of Islands offers a gentle sail in the afternoon. Step aboard the elegant 'R. Tucker Thompson' and enjoy an antipasto platter accompanied by drinks available for purchase at the bar. Round-trip ferry transfer to Russell is included.

2-hour tall ship sailing cruise on Bay of Islands
Round-trip ferry ticket to Russell included
Shared antipasto platter
Drinks available at the cash bar

What's Included

Cruise the Inner Bay on board the "R. Tucker Thompson" tall ship
Shared Antipasto Platter
Wet weather gear (if required)
Bar on board (Inc. alchoholic and non-alchoholic beverages)

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

Russell Wharf, Russell, Bay of Islands
27 The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand
Departing from the Russell Wharf. We provide free ferry transfers to and from Paihia to Russell.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Make your way to the Russell wharf to meet your sailing vessel 10 minutes before departure time. If you are staying in Paihia, pick up your round-trip ferry ticket at the Maritime Building in the late afternoon.

Then step aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, an iconic tall ship of the Northland. You'll set sail for the inner Bay of Islands while you help an expert hoist the sails. Once underway you're served a shared antipasto platter. Purchase a drink from the cash bar and marvel at the beauty of a traditionally rigged vessel under sail.

If you're feeling adventurous, there's time to slip into a harness and climb up the rigging. For the more romantically inclined, head out to the bowsprit and create your own memories. Perhaps sip a glass of wine while watching the sunset.

When your 2-hour cruise concludes, you're free to dine in one of the many restaurants in the historical village of Russell and return by ferry to Paihia at your leisure.

Paihia Harbour

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

R. Tucker Thompson

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Russell

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed

Near public transportation
Infant seats available
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Cancellation Policy

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.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Nancy_D

Loved watching the sails fill with the breeze... good winds that day, even heeling a bit ... lots of interaction with the ship if you wanted to participate ... safety is always a priority. The crew was great - relaxed yet observant, cordial yet careful... highly recommend for getting out on the water, especially if you're short of time

Reviews

5.0

60 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-8 of 60 reviews

Wind in the sails

Nancy_D, Feb 2023

Response from Host, Feb 2023

We so appreciate your beautiful review Nancy, and wonderful description of the sails, ship and crew. They are a very special bunch sharing a very unique special experience. We are so happy you loved it so much. Thank you,

Relaxing sail on the bay

Irene_B, Dec 2022

It was relaxing and fun. The crew were so friendly and accommodating. Fun to watch the kids help and climb up the rigging. Great appetizers. Such a lovely way to end the day. I’m

Response from Host, Feb 2023

Thanks so much for joining us and enjoying our wonderful Sundowner afternoon Sailing. Such a beautiful way to spend a glorious summer evening in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Thank you,

Magic

Darryl_W, Mar 2022

It was an amazing trip on the Harbour. Being able to help with the sails and climb the rigging was a great experience. To Wayne and the crew thanks for everything, especially bringing us back to Paihia when the ferry was canceled. Magic.

Response from Host, Mar 2022

Magic it is! Thank you for the review, we love going above and beyond for our guests.

Entertaining

Craig, Feb 2020

We enjoyed the whole trip it was something new for us both climbing the rigging and steering from the helm also the crew on board made the whole trip a great and friendly experience would recommend it for anyone staying in the area next time will do whole day trip

great experience!

Isabelle F, Nov 2019

The crew was lovely and we still sailed even if there were only 3 of us! I never leave reviews but this time I am because it was a highlight of my trip to NZ. Merci!!

Response from Host, Dec 2019

Kia ora and we really appreciate you taking the time to make the review. We're thrilled it was the highlight of your NZ visit. We will sail with only 3 because we believe having chosen to sail with us, you deserve to come sailing... à bientôt

Fantastic sailing with the captain

Jill_L, Nov 2019

We had a wonderful time on the Tall Ship sailing. The captain was so nice and let my husband steer the boat and help with other sailing opportunities. He was extremely friendly and his crew was awesome. We would recommend this tour to anyone. This was the best tour we did while we were iin New Zealand visiting from the states.

Response from Host, Nov 2019

Kia ora and thank you very much for your kind review. We're delighted that it was your best experience, it's our hope that we provide special memories for our guests so thank you for sharing.

booked to sail to hole in the rock...

Darryl_C, Mar 2018

booked to sail to hole in the rock , but Captain said wind was not from right direction , a bit disappointed , only sailed across harbour and back , a bit tame and boring , crew were friendly and cheerful , trip was over too soon . Darryl and Xian

Really great afternoon, lovely crew and...

Sally A, Jan 2017

Really great afternoon, lovely crew and a change to help them a little too.