Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing Haul the Rigging Tour

Haul the rigging or take the helm on a working tall ship, then sail back to Russell for dinner.

The R. Tucker Thompson is a working tall ship that sails the inner Bay of Islands on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evenings for roughly two hours. You can help crew the vessel (haul the rigging, steer the helm), or simply watch the sails fill and relax with a cool drink. Light finger food and wet weather gear are included. A cash bar is on board. The tour departs from either Paihia or Russell, and return ferry transfers to Russell are part of the booking, so you can stay for dinner without arranging a second trip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bay of Islands tall ship sailing experience

• Explore Paihia town and beaches
• Visit souvenir shop and restaurant
• Discover Russell town history and cafes
• Board tall ship for 2-hour sailing
• Enjoy light finger food and drinks
• Participate in sailing activities
• Return ferry transfer to Russell

The experience

The R. Tucker Thompson leaves from either Paihia or Russell depending on which departure you choose. Once aboard, you decide how involved you want to be: haul the rigging and take a turn at the helm if the mood strikes, or settle into the rhythm of the sails filling and the boat moving beneath you. A cool drink and light finger food keep the evening unhurried. Wet weather gear is there if the wind picks up.

The route traces the inner harbour, the sheltered water where the bay's geography shows itself without the open ocean swell. Two hours is long enough to feel the work of sailing without it becoming a lesson. You're on a working ship, not a museum piece. The licensed bar means you can order beyond what's included, and the crew will tell you what's worth knowing about the water and the coast as it passes.

Return ferry transfers to Russell are built into the booking, which means you don't have to solve the logistics of getting back if you want to stay for dinner. Paihia has restaurants and shops if you prefer to eat there instead, but the ferry option is already arranged.

What’s included

• Cruise on the R. Tucker Thompson tall ship through the inner Bay of Islands.
• shared antipasto platter and access to a licensed bar.
• wet weather gear if required.
• return ferry transfers to Russell.

Options for this experience

4 options

Departing RussellGuide in English · 16:00Sailing aboard the Tall Ship Sundowner

Departing PaihiaGuide in English · 15:30Sailing aboard the Tall Ship Sundowner

Departing PaihiaGuide in English · Available from 26 Dec · 15:30Dates: 6 January 2024 through 26 December 2023

Departing RussellGuide in English · Available from 26 Dec · 16:00Dates: 6 January 2024 through 26 December 2023

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you check availability.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and ThursdayDepartures at 15:30 and 16:00Last departure this season: 31 Mar 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 47

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by R. Tucker Thompson

Is this one for you?Pick Paihia departure if you're staying there and want to sail before heading to Russell for dinner. Pick Russell if you're based there or prefer to start your evening already in town.

Traveler reviews

4.89★★★★★★★★★★

111 verified traveler reviews

5 ★102

4 ★7

3 ★1

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I help sail the R. Tucker Thompson, or do I just watch?

You can do both. Passengers who want to haul the rigging and try the helm are welcome to help crew the vessel. Others can relax on deck with a drink and watch the sails work. The crew will show you what to do if you want to get involved.

What's included in the ticket for the Bay of Islands tall ship sailing?

The ticket includes the two-hour cruise on the R. Tucker Thompson, light finger food (a shared antipasto platter), wet weather gear if you need it, and return ferry transfers to Russell. A cash bar is available on board if you want to order drinks beyond what's provided.

When does the tall ship sail, and how long is the tour?

The R. Tucker Thompson sails on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evenings for roughly two hours. The exact departure time depends on which option you choose (Paihia or Russell), so check your booking confirmation for the time.

Do I need to arrange my own way back to Russell after the sail?

No. Return ferry transfers to Russell are included in the ticket, so the trip back is already arranged. If you're departing from Paihia, the ferry will take you to Russell afterward. If you're departing from Russell, you'll return there the same way.

What is there to do in Russell before or after the sailing?

Russell is a historic town with shops, cafes and restaurants. Many passengers use the included ferry transfer to stay for dinner after the sail, or to explore the town before an evening departure.