R Tucker Thompson

Come sailing with the R Tucker Thompson and enjoy one of the best things to do in the beautiful Bay of Islands on Northland’s iconic tall ship! Become part of the crew, take part in sailing activities onboard, and help sail the ship, or relax & enjoy the day. Choose from either a full day sailing or, for those with not so much time to spare, enjoy a relaxing late afternoon sail through the inner bay around the area of Paihia and Waitangi.

Operated by a charitable trust with profits supporting youth sail training programmes, the R Tucker Thompson day sails and tourism activities operate between the beginning of November and Easter holidays, after which time we revert to our youth development voyages

A unique attraction in the Bay of Islands, it is always an experience not to be missed.

You’ll be able to have fun getting involved with the activities, with sailing the R Tucker Thompson tall sailing ship, help set the sails, ride on the bowsprit, climb the rigging, or alternatively you can sit back and relax while our crew does the work. The ship is spacious and comfortable, and the friendly crew makes it a memorable and personal experience.

Being wind-driven, this beautiful sailing ship is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to see the Bay. Better still, with profits made from tourism going to support youth development, your day out is going to a good cause.

A day sailing trip on the R.Tucker Thompson is one of the few opportunities to go sailing on a working tall ship, in one of the most spectacularly beautiful parts of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands. Many visitors have said that it has been the highlight of their holiday.

Freshly baked scones and cream tea from our galley
Chance to take the helm, hoist the sails, or climb the rigging
Island stopover in sheltered bay (relax, swim, or explore ashore)
Delicious BBQ lunch served on board
Licensed cash bar on board with local wines and beers
Share stories with our friendly crew
Free ferry transfers to Russell on any ferry

A perfect way to end the day!

This short Sundowner sailing attraction on board the tall ship R.Tucker Thompson is a perfect thing to do if you don’t have time for a full day in the Bay of Islands, but still want a unique tall ship experience. Departing from Russell Wharf at 4.00 pm, the trip is a relaxing sail activity through the Inner Bay of Islands around the area of Paihia and Waitangi.

You can also use your included ferry tickets and head over to Russell earlier in the day to explore this historic village before boarding the ship at 4.00 pm.

Scheduled trips are offered on Fridays and Sundays from Boxing Day until the first weekend in January; these sailings are offered daily. Outside of those dates, you can charter the ship for your evening sailing.

Free ferry transfers to Russell on any ferry
Shared antipasto platter
Licensed cash bar on board with local wines and beers
Chance to take the helm, help hoist the sails, or ride the bowsprit
Plenty of room to relax

Come sailing on this beautiful tall ship and experience the Bay of Islands for three days and two nights. You’ll get to explore the amazing history and stunning scenery of this beautiful part of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

What better way to discover this beautiful region than on board Taitokerau Northland’s own tall ship, the R. Tucker Thompson.
The Bay of Islands is not only a place of stunning scenery, but rich in stories. It is a place of first arrivals from Polynesia and a significant Māori settlement, home to early encounters with European explorers. A place of trade and industry, colonisation, and subsequent wars. This turbulent past is barely visible today. Nowadays, the focus is on recovery and restoration, with landscapes being restored and native birds returned to the islands.