Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing: Hoist Sails, Lunch Included

Help hoist sails, explore hidden beaches, and enjoy a BBQ lunch on board

Sail the Bay of Islands on the R. Tucker Thompson, a traditional tall ship, for a half-day voyage where you can help hoist the sails, climb the rigging and walk secluded beaches, or simply relax with lunch and a drink from the licensed bar. The experience includes a chicken BBQ lunch, scones with cream and jam, tea and coffee, and a return ferry ticket between Paihia and Russell if required. A live English-speaking guide leads the voyage, and the ship is wheelchair accessible with accommodation for most mobility needs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail and explore Bay of Islands

• Board the R. Tucker Thompson tall ship
• Help hoist sails and climb rigging
• Explore secluded beaches
• Enjoy BBQ lunch on board
• Relax and soak in the scenery
• Use ferry tickets for flexible arrival and departure

The Experience

Five and a half hours on the water starts with a choice: get involved or settle in. You can help hoist the sails and climb the rigging if you want the hands-on work, or you can sit back and watch the Bay of Islands—more than 140 subtropical islands—unfold around you. The R. Tucker Thompson is a working tall ship, not a museum piece, and the crew will put you to work if that's what you came for. If not, there's a licensed bar and plenty of deck space to soak in the day.

Lunch arrives mid-voyage: a chicken BBQ with freshly made scones, cream and jam, plus tea and coffee included. The ship stops at secluded beaches where you can explore on foot if the tide and schedule allow, or you can stay aboard. The whole operation runs as a non-profit charitable trust, so the money you spend funds youth development voyages during the winter months.

Departures run from either Paihia or Russell—you pick which one at checkout. If you need the ferry between the two towns, your return ticket is included in the price. The ship accommodates most wheelchairs, though some designs may not fit the deck layout, so it's worth checking ahead if mobility access is a factor. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome aboard.

What’s included

• Cruise on the R. Tucker Thompson tall ship.
• help hoisting the sails and climbing the rigging if you choose.
• chicken BBQ lunch with freshly made scones, cream and jam.
• tea and coffee.
• access to the licensed bar.
• return ferry ticket between Paihia and Russell if required.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by R. Tucker Thompson

Is this one for you?Choose the Paihia departure if you're staying in the Bay of Islands town itself; pick Russell if you're based across the water. Either way, the five-and-a-half-hour voyage fits a half-day into your itinerary without eating a full morning or afternoon, and the lunch means you're not hunting for food elsewhere.

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Top questions

Can I help sail the R. Tucker Thompson, or is it just watching?

You can do both. The crew invites passengers to help hoist the sails and climb the rigging if you want to participate, or you can relax on deck and let the crew handle it. The choice is yours depending on what appeals to you that day.

What's included in the lunch on the tall ship?

The R. Tucker Thompson serves a chicken BBQ lunch with freshly made scones, cream and jam, plus tea and coffee. A licensed bar is also on board if you want to order other drinks.

Which town do I depart from, Paihia or Russell?

You choose your departure point at checkout—either Paihia or Russell. If you need to travel between the two towns, your return ferry ticket is included in the sailing price.

Is the Bay of Islands tall ship accessible for wheelchair users?

The R. Tucker Thompson is wheelchair accessible, though some wheelchair designs may not fit the deck layout. Contact the operator before booking if you have specific mobility needs so they can confirm the ship will work for you.

How long does the sailing take?

The voyage lasts five and a half hours, including time on the water, stops at secluded beaches and the lunch break.

Can I bring my service animal on the tall ship?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board the R. Tucker Thompson.