Bay of Islands: Tall Ship Sailing & BBQ Lunch Cruise

Summary

Sailing the bay of islands tall ship with bbq lunch and old schooner charm

You’ll sail on a classic tall ship through the Bay of Islands with local crew, help hoist sails if you want, snack on warm scones for morning tea, and enjoy a relaxed BBQ lunch on deck. Expect laughter, sea air, stories from locals — plus ferry tickets and wet weather gear included if needed.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the deck of the R. Tucker Thompson in Paihia, and right away I caught that mix of salty air and something sweet — turned out to be scones baking below deck. Our skipper, Pete, had this way of talking like he was just chatting over a fence, not steering a 100-year-old schooner replica through the Bay of Islands. The sails went up with a bit of group effort (I tried hauling a rope — not as easy as it looks), and suddenly we were gliding past those green islands you see in postcards but somehow they look softer in real life. There’s always someone laughing or telling a story on board, usually one of the crew who grew up around here.

Morning tea was these famous scones — honestly, I still think about them — with coffee or tea as we drifted near Motuarohia Island. The boat has this old wood-and-rope smell that mixes with sea spray, kind of grounding when you’re watching dolphins pop up nearby (they really do). I ended up talking to Li, one of the volunteers, about how all these trips help fund youth sailing programs in winter. It makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger than just a day trip in the Bay of Islands.

Lunch was a proper BBQ right on deck — sausages sizzling while everyone found their spot in the sun or shade. I didn’t expect to feel so at home among strangers but maybe that’s what happens out here. We even got wet weather gear handed out when clouds rolled in for half an hour (classic New Zealand). By the time we sailed back toward Russell, my hair smelled like wind and smoke and I felt lighter somehow. You can take any ferry back whenever you want, so nobody rushes you off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bay of Islands sailing and exploration

• Explore town and shops
• Board R. Tucker Thompson tall ship
• Sail around Bay of Islands
• Enjoy BBQ lunch on board
• Visit bays and beaches
• Disembark and continue exploring

Top questions

Is food included on the Bay of Islands tall ship cruise?

Yes, morning tea with scones and a BBQ lunch are included.

Does this tour include ferry tickets?

Yes, your ferry tickets are included and flexible for early or late return.

Is the R. Tucker Thompson cruise suitable for kids?

Yes, infants and children are welcome; prams and specialized seats are available.

Is there wheelchair access on board?

The tour is wheelchair accessible; contact them to discuss specific needs.

Are drinks available during the sailing?

A bar is available onboard with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.

What happens if it rains during the cruise?

Wet weather gear is provided if needed during your Bay of Islands day trip.

How long do I have to explore Russell before or after sailing?

You can use your ferry ticket at any time that day to explore Russell at your own pace.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing aboard the R. Tucker Thompson tall ship through the Bay of Islands with morning tea (fresh scones), coffee or tea, a BBQ lunch served on deck, access to an onboard bar for drinks, flexible return ferry tickets between Paihia and Russell, plus wet weather gear if required—just ask if you need anything special for accessibility or kids.