Bay of Islands Field Trips

Bay of Islands Field Trips

If your school or school-age group is planning a trip to Northland then here’s a great interactive day out for your group. A one day package with guided tours at Waitangi Treaty Grounds & Pompallier Mission, a visit to Russell Museum and two hours sailing on Northland’s tall ship.

Not only educational, covering history, social studies, outdoor education, but also plus a whole heap of fun for caregivers and students alike!

All activities are accessible via ferry from Waitangi and within walking distance in the historic and beautiful Russell Township. The day ends with a sail on board Northland’s own tall ship the R. Tucker Thompson – always voted a highlight of any school trip.

The special package includes:

  • Ferries from Waitangi to Russell and back
  • entrance and guided Waitangi tour
  • entrance and guided tour of Pompallier Mission
  • entrance to Russell Museum
  • 1hr 50 min tall ship experience
  • Cost per person $35 NZD (NZ students only, POA for international)
  • Max Capacity: 49, Min Capacity 20.
  • Optional Hole in the Rock experience with Fullers Great Sights for $39 per head

Field trips are available all year round, although the R. Tucker Thompson experience is only available between Nov and Easter. To check availability please email us. To book, download our booking form.


Suggested Programme (all except the ship negotiable)

10.00-1.15 Visit to Waitangi Treaty Grounds & lunch
1.30-1.50 Board Ferry from Waitangi to Russell (via Paihia)
2.00-2. 50 Groups rotate through Russell Museum & Pompallier
3.00-3. 50 Groups rotate through Russell Museum & Pompallier
4.00 Groups walk to Russell Wharf
4.10-5.55 Tall Ship sailing on R. Tucker Thompson
6.00 pm Board Ferry Russell to Waitangi

Waitangi National Trust

Explore the Birthplace of our Nation with an engaging guided tour. Walk in the footsteps of Māori and European participants in Treaty-making here. View Ngātokimatawhaorua & hear voyaging stories of Aotearoa’s first settlers.  Compare their lives with that of the first official British Resident. Learn the symbolism of our nation’s first flags. Hear about the beautiful carvings in the Whare Runanga. Enjoy an educational and fun experience that is unforgettable

Russell Museum

Only five years after the Treaty signing at Waitangi, Hone Heke’s warriors felled the British flagstaff on Maiki Hill, the inhabitants of Kororāreka fled and the town burned. Russell Museum tells the Battle of Kororāreka story, and others, through artefacts, displays and a short video. See early Māori weapons, weaving and taonga, a 1:5 scale model of Cook’s Endeavour & whaling relics. Pick up a Heritage Trail brochure to help you uncover the stories written in our town’s streets.

Pompallier Mission & Printery

Discover the French side to the Birthplace of our Nation. Enjoy hands-on experiences in New Zealand’s only existing pioneer printery & tannery. Hear stories of Catholic missionary work, Māori passion for literacy & for books made here. Learn about Bishop Pompallier’s part in the Treaty of Waitangi & ensuing War. And more. It’s serious fun!.

R. Tucker Thompson

An authentically designed 19th century gaff rigged tops’l schooner, a beautiful working ship steeped in rugged tradition yet modern and safe. The ship will take sailing for just under two hours returning to Russell. Students can help set the sails, take the helm, put on harnesses to climb the rigging and go out onto the bowsprit under crew guidance.

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