Tall ship sailing in the Bay of Islands

The R. Tucker Thompson is an iconic gaff rigged tops'l schooner based in the Bay of Islands. Operated as a social enterprise, we run tourism sailings over summer, with profits used to fund youth development voyages over winter. Nau mai, haere mai, welcome on board!

Your tall ship sailing adventure starts here!

There are few places in the world where people can take part in sailing a traditional heritage vessel, and not in a stunning location such as the Bay of Islands.

Join us for a Day Sail

Help as much or as little as you like. Let the crew do the work or help hoist the sails and be in the crew.
Adult: NZ $159 Child: NZ $79.50

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Sundowner Sailing

If you are short on time, or just want a taste of sailing, then our Sundowner sailing is perfect.
Adult: NZ $67.50 Child: NZ $33.75

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3-day Bay of Islands Discovery Voyage

For something more adventurous,  join us for our 3- day Bay of Islands Discovery Voyage. A unique experience to truly discover the Bay.

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Charter the Good Ship

If you want to build your own adventure, then you can charter the ship. Let us create an amazing experience for a few hours, a full day or overnight too. Talk to us about your special request.

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School Experiences

Whether you are a Kura Kaupapa Māori, Primary, Intermediate or Secondary school, we are able to offer an awesome educational experience for your students.

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Youth Voyages

We run 7-day Youth Development Voyages for the young people of Taitokerau Northland over winter. Designed to build confidence, create teamwork and develop leadership, these are life changing experiences.

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Support us

Your donation can help change the life of a young person. Whether you choose to make a one time donation, sponsor a child, or provide an ongoing commitment, every dollar we raise goes directly to our youth development work.

Donate Now

Bay of Islands Sailing

Sailing on the R.Tucker Thompson leaves a lasting impression to be cherished for years. The Bay of Islands is a magical place and to experience a great Tall Ship on your visit will create memories for a lifetime. 

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SHIPS SCHEDULE

  • star rating  Despite the less than perfect weather, little sun followed by overcast skies but most disappointing but for a very short while little breeze for full sailing, we had an excellent... read more

    Mike M
    April 1, 2022

  • star rating  This is a great trip even if you’re not really into boats, or the idea of sailing is a little bit scarey. We had winds up to 30 knots or... read more

    quiver4
    March 1, 2022

  • star rating  My husband and I went on the cruise as a gift from our 3 children for our 50th Wedding Anniversary There were only 9 other passengers, apart from the 3... read more

    Lorna W
    March 1, 2022

  • star rating  We had an amazing day sailing around the bay of islands, chatting to the captain and crew. They were all so keen to pass on their local knowledge and sailing... read more

    Michael P
    January 1, 2022

  • star rating  Absolutely fantastic day. Crew wonderful and gave good history lesson of Bay of Islands. Will definitely be booking again

    Sandra E
    December 1, 2021

  • star rating  Went with a group of school kids on a outing, great crew, nice lunch and kids loved climbing the rigging and jumping off the boat

    Phil R
    April 4, 2021

YTH2207 – Day three

by | May 27, 2022 | Voyage Blogs | 0 Comments

Kia Ora Whanau, Anchored off the golden shore of Motokawanui. Our crew awoke this morning with a spring in their step. Knowing we had a jam-packed adventure day ahead, the sailors worked hard through their chores to get the ship moving as quickly as possible. With a...
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YTH2207 – Rua Ra

by | May 26, 2022 | Voyage Blogs | 0 Comments

Today we had the opportunity to explore the outer Bay, as we made our way up to the Cavalli Islands for the night. It’s been smooth sailing thus far as we have been blessed with calm seas and light breeze. We arrived at Motukawanui Island, the biggest island in the...
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YTH-2207 Tahi Ra

by | May 25, 2022 | Voyage Blogs | 0 Comments

Kia Ora whanau, We miss you already. Nah just kidding, we are living the dream. We have had a lovely day learning the ropes and ways of ship life. We are happily parked up at the Te Pahi islands, home for the night. Afternoon antics included a bit of information...
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YTH 2206 – Ono Ra

by | May 21, 2022 | Voyage Blogs | 0 Comments

Kia ora Koutou, What a great day. After breakfast the crew were sent ashore check out some spots leaving only the captain behind. While they were gone we (captain & trainees) attempted to steal the ship. We didn’t get far the crew caught up with us. On our way...
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YTH 2206 – Wha Ra

by | May 19, 2022 | Voyage Blogs | 0 Comments

Kia Ora Whanau. Sorry it’s been a few days. We are all rugged up in Whangamumu harbor, after a few days of fun in the rain. Today’s antics included a super clear dive, some painting, a good ol rain dance, games and a wee bit of ship knowledge. This evening the weather...
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Voyage Blogs

Check out the latest updates from on board the ship to find out what our young trainees are getting up to. 

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