Choose your tall ship experience

  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

  A lovely day shared with Whanau. Sailing on the beautiful R.Tucker Thompson. Recommend as a must do in Russell. Great food, great crew, beautiful scenery and... read more swimming in a picturesque bay in Autumn! An awesome day out!

  A day out on the R Tucker Tompson was awesome. The crew, lead by Captain Steve made the day fun and informative. Although I wasn't brave enough to go up... read more the mast, many did and had a blast. Stopped at an island for lunch and a swim before heading back joined by a pod of dolphin.
A great day was had by all..
Highly recommended..

  Everything was great! We considered ourselves fortunate that there were only 13 passengers (4 crew) on our two hour Sundowner sail since that perhaps made it more intimate. The best... read more fun was in climbing up the rigging and helping with the sails, encouraged by enthusiastic crew. So nice to be out on the water on such a splendid, beautiful and historic vessel.

  A lovely day shared with Whanau. Sailing on the beautiful R.Tucker Thompson. Recommend as a must do in Russell. Great food, great crew, beautiful scenery and... read more swimming in a picturesque bay in Autumn! An awesome day out!

  Fantastic day out with a fun, friendly and informative crew.
We had a go helping hoist the sails, climb rigging and even took the helm!
Very much recommend... read more this trip.

  I went on this cruise as a single person and enjoyed every minute. Interaction was encouraged but I diidn’t feel I had to . The crew were fantastic - really... read more kind people who clearly love what they do. The best part of the experience is knowing that young people of Northland may one fat benefit from my $ spent on this cruise.

  We left the wharf at Russell at 10.00am on R Tucker Thompson, an 85-foot gaff rigged topsail schooner, in a strong southerly breeze. The crew soon had the sails up... read more and we were sailing out of the bay between Paihia and Russell bound for one of the 144 islands that make up the Bay of Islands. It was a beautiful day with perfect wind conditions for a good sail. The crew of three, led by Skipper Wayne, encouraged those to wanted to become involved in hoisting and lowering sails to do so. Tea, coffee and delicious cream scones were served mid morning and shortly after midday we anchored off a beautiful beach at Motuarohia Island to the north east of Russell. A rib with an out board was lowered into the water and the guests ferried ashore to the beach to swim and wander around for an hour. Beach towels were provided for the swimmers.

A delicious bbq chicken lunch with potato salad, ordinary salad and brown bread and butter was served with wines and beer available for purchase.

Skipper Wayne, a Maori, was extremely knowledgable and well-informed about the history of the islands and the various events that had taken place over the previous 250 years. Not only that, his vessel was spotlessly clean and well maintained. All three crew were absolutely charming.

After lunch, in a stiff south easterly breeze, enabling the vessel to reach 7.3 knots, we cruised around the bay before returning to Russell wharf by about 3.30pm.

Although it might seem expensive, (NZ$164 per person inclusive except for alcoholic beverages), it was excellent value for money. Not only that, but it is a charitable trust whose profits go towards being able to take 16 young people to sea at a time on voyages for youth training, so in addition to having a marvellous and informative day at sea, it was in support of a worthy cause.

  We left the wharf at Russell at 10.00am on R Tucker Thompson, an 85-foot gaff rigged topsail schooner, in a strong southerly breeze. The crew soon had the sails up... read more and we were sailing out of the bay between Paihia and Russell bound for one of the 144 islands that make up the Bay of Islands. It was a beautiful day with perfect wind conditions for a good sail. The crew of three, led by Skipper Wayne, encouraged those to wanted to become involved in hoisting and lowering sails to do so. Tea, coffee and delicious cream scones were served mid morning and shortly after midday we anchored off a beautiful beach at Motuarohia Island to the north east of Russell. A rib with an out board was lowered into the water and the guests ferried ashore to the beach to swim and wander around for an hour. Beach towels were provided for the swimmers.

A delicious bbq chicken lunch with potato salad, ordinary salad and brown bread and butter was served with wines and beer available for purchase.

Skipper Wayne, a Maori, was extremely knowledgable and well-informed about the history of the islands and the various events that had taken place over the previous 250 years. Not only that, his vessel was spotlessly clean and well maintained. All three crew were absolutely charming.

After lunch, in a stiff south easterly breeze, enabling the vessel to reach 7.3 knots, we cruised around the bay before returning to Russell wharf by about 3.30pm.

Although it might seem expensive, (NZ$164 per person inclusive except for alcoholic beverages), it was excellent value for money. Not only that, but it is a charitable trust whose profits go towards being able to take 16 young people to sea at a time on voyages for youth training, so in addition to having a marvellous and informative day at sea, it was in support of a worthy cause.

  Well organised and very friendly, professional sailing cruise on a two masted classic small sailing vessel. Commentary, historical anecdotes and banter were interesting and good humour. Morning tea/coffee and delicious... read more cream and jam scones and the a very tasty lunch. Stopped at truly beautiful and historic bay on one of the islands - the beach is nice sand and the bush behind the bay is full of native birds.

  Everything was great! We considered ourselves fortunate that there were only 13 passengers (4 crew) on our two hour Sundowner sail since that perhaps made it more intimate. The best... read more fun was in climbing up the rigging and helping with the sails, encouraged by enthusiastic crew. So nice to be out on the water on such a splendid, beautiful and historic vessel. …

  A day out on the R Tucker Tompson was awesome. The crew, lead by Captain Steve made the day fun and informative. Although I wasn't brave enough to go up... read more the mast, many did and had a blast. Stopped at an island for lunch and a swim before heading back joined by a pod of dolphin. A great day was had by all.. Highly recommended.. …

  Fantastic day out with a fun, friendly and informative crew. We had a go helping hoist the sails, climb rigging and even took the helm! Very much recommend this trip.

  Our fourth trip on Tucker and just as special as the very first more than 10 years ago. She is an awesome ship with a super crew. Take your togs,... read more towel & sunscreen and enjoy a fun filled, relaxed day out in " the bay". I had the best birthday ever. Thanks a bunch guys 🙂

  This was one of the best experiences and I would highly recommend it for everyone. The staff were friendly and so welcoming, chatting easily with everyone and sharing their experiences.... read more Absolutely loved the day with them on the ship and seeing how a sailboat works. It was a great way to see the Bay of Islands and we had an awesome time swimming in a Bay.

  A marvellous day. In awe of the skilful and friendly crew (Skipper Ben, ably assisted by Jess, Michelle and Abby) who made it a day to remember. Scones and lunch... read more delicious and plentiful too. Such a great cause too, supporting young people to find their best selves through team work and onboard experience. Thanks again for a wonderful day.

  Great experience. make sure you take the opportunity to help hoist sails and rigging.
Was a good windy day so we got some good sailing in.
The crew were awesome... read more and engaged with us.
Nibbles and drinks available if you want.
I would highly recommend this attraction, give it a go you wont be disappointed.

  Wow... this trip is amazing. We had the best time, the ship was beautiful, Captain Ben and his all female crew were awesome, so friendly and accommodating. The kids (and... read more adults if they wanted) could climb up the rigging, swing off a rope into the water and even captain the ship. We stopped off at an island, had a fabulous morning tea and lunch on board and of course sailed around the Bay of Islands. These summer cruises are not the main purpose, the money raised from these trips goes towards helping Northland’s youth... so great experience snd great cause.

  An exceptional experience and something we would do again we did a road trip from Christchurch to Northland and this was the highlight. Awesome day out, great crew, exceptional food... read more and an outstanding experience. Highly recommended best thing we did all holiday on our 4000km road trip !

  Unbelievably fabulous day. Welcoming crew, could do as much or as little as you liked to help with the rigging etc.
We were encouraged to don a harness and provided... read more tuition to climb the rigging and bow sprit, with photo opps galore.
Outstanding commentary of both the ship and the Bays we sailed by. As we headed out of Russell, some diesel power plus sail, the return home was purely by peaceful sail.
Lunch was perfect - marinated barbequed chicken with salad, potatoes and bread if you chose. Bar available. The highlight was the stops though - that day we sailed it was Waiwaitorea Island. Clear waters, easy to see the bronzewhaler that coasted by a couple of times, warm water, swing into the water, beach or climb the hill for second-to-none views of the Bay of Islands. Just couldnt have been better.
Great value we thought and a great charity doing outstanding work with our younger people in the less busy season.
Also blessed with the godfather of the ship; one of the two builders, so you can imagine the richness his stories added to our perfect day too.
Others comments about this being the highlight of their trip are echoed by us.

  We took the sunset cruise with appx 25 passengers. The crew were friendly, knowledgeable and organised.
They served antipasto platters and beverages were available from a cash... read more bar.

If you feel up to it you can climb the rigging and haul the sails.

Fun in the sun.

  Our family trip on the R Tucker Thompson was possibly the most fantastic thing we did all year! The crew are wonderful and very knowledgable. We helped to rig the... read more ship, steer and even climbed to the front of the bow sprit and the rigging - including our 10 year old son and 12 year old daughter who both made it to the yard arms, about 20m up the mast! We stopped at a gorgeous bay and lept from the ship via a swing tied to the yard arm. We went on to collect Kina and then ate them on board after the marvalous lunch provided by the crew. Under sail the ship made nearly no noise. A beautifully tuned and smooth ride. Hats off to the crew and the build of the ship.

Go, do it, you won't regret!

  This was definitely the highlight of our trip!

The ship was gorgeous and the crew felt like family by the time we disembarked. Knowing that we... read more were contributing to a worthwhile cause while having fun gave us the warm fuzzies too.

Kina diving at the island stopover was such an adventure and the rope swing jumps off the ship a ton of fun.

Thanks for a memorable time Russ, Terry and the lovely team.

To anyone thinking about booking a sailing trip or looking for a day jam packed with entertainment.. you can't go wrong with these guys.

  Absolutely fabulous. Excellent value . Non profit organisation With proceeds used for education of northland children sailing experience team building .
We experienced great sailing with all sails used climbed... read more up mast and bow sprit.
Cheese and crackers etc provided .
Crew were amazing well done!

  This a must do experience on a beautiful ship with a friendly crew! The fruit and cheese platter was divine too. I can't wait to go back and... read more do a full day trip

  We did the full day tour. 10am - 3.30pm. This makes for a truly amazing day out and something I would highly recommend to others. We were a group of... read more families with children so I wasn’t sure how it would go but all the kids absolutely loved it and want to go again! Great value for money.
We booked it online and it was super easy as you just show up to the pier and show your email confirmation to the crew. We had around 25(?) people on board and there was more than enough room for everyone to find their own seating space on deck and move around. There’s also plenty of room to store your bags down below.
The crew were incredible - friendly, chatty, knowledgeable and funny but also clearly experienced. An absolute highlight of the trip. They are also wonderful with kids. Our kids are 7-11yrs but there were younger on board also.
The sail out was beautiful as you get to see the true beauty of the bay of islands. There’s plenty to see on the way and also plenty of time to take a turn climbing the riggings if you wish (harnesses are provided and kids and adults all had a blast). The trip out includes a morning tea of scones with jam/cream and tea/coffee/hot chocolates all made and served by the crew. After about 1.5hrs sailing (which went by so fast!), we put down anchor in a bay. From there, you can stay on the boat, swim around near the boat, or be taken by dinghy to the nearby island. Going to the island meant you could take a short bush walk or just swim from the shore. I’m told some people saw some cool fish etc using their snorkels. After about an hour, the crew will return to pick you up and take you back to the ship where lunch is ready for you. I assume it varies each day but we had beautifully cooked/marinated chicken pieces with potato salad and pasta salad, plus bread. There was plenty! Next there was time to get the rope swing out and several gave it a go before it was time to set sail back to Russell. This was much slower going due to the wind but made for a relaxing trip back with the kids able to sit on the bow (harnessed in) or climb the rigging again. We pulled in to the wharf at exactly 3.30pm.
For those wondering, there’s a perfectly good but compact toilet on board that flushes etc.
The activities to do on the ship really helped break up what could otherwise be a long day on the water. They sell a range of fizzy drinks and alcohol, as well as merchandise, which you can pay for with cash or eftpos.
I would recommend - taking togs and towel, plenty of sunscreen! (there’s no real shade on deck however you don’t notice the heat as the wind when you’re moving is lovely and cool), money, a water bottle (water is available onboard but easier to have your own bottle I should think), snorkel and mask (they have a few on board to borrow but not many and it’s worth having just in case), wetsuit (if you feel the cold in the water), hat.
Jandals were easy to get around in and easy to take off and on when getting on and out of the dinghy - note the deck can also get really hot once the sun gets on it.
This really is a must do experience when you visit the Bay of Islands!

  We had the most amazing day aboard the R Tucker Thompson and were blessed to sail with Russ himself. What a wonderful gent - he has given New Zealand the... read more most treasured of gifts with this boat.
The 25 guests were welcomed warmly and we were invited to do as much or as little as we liked - or simply watch the scenery of the beautiful islands and coves unfold before us.
Helming, hoisting sails, climbing the rigging - you can do it all then swing from a monkey ball in to the sea for a snorkel.
Morning tea of tea, coffee, scones and cream and a bbq chicken and salad lunch - such a relaxing day, we will all ask permission to come aboard again on another trip.