Tall Ship Sailing, BBQ Lunch Included

Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch

★ 4.9 387 reviews

from $117.53 per person

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Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Russell Wharf
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Meal: Meal included
Run by: R. Tucker Thompson

Overview

The R. Tucker Thompson is a working tall ship that sails out of Russell Wharf, and this five and a half hour trip is built around letting passengers actually work the boat. After coffee, tea and freshly made scones with cream and jam on boarding, the crew invite everyone to help haul the sails, take a turn at the helm, and, for those keen, climb the rigging in a safety harness. Anyone who prefers to sit back with a drink from the cash bar can do that too.

The middle of the day is spent on the water in the Bay of Islands, with a stop at an island where passengers can swim or explore. Reviewers frequently name the beach stop as a highlight that breaks up the sailing. Back on board, a chicken BBQ lunch is served, with salad, breads and potato salad mentioned by travellers.

The trip suits most people. It is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, the operator advises contact about specific mobility equipment, and there is a maximum of 40 travellers on board. Profits from the ship support youth sailing voyages in Northland, something many reviewers said added to the experience.

White sailing catamaran under sail on a bright blue bay with green islands behind, seen from another boat

What's Included

Included

Coffee and/or Tea
Chicken BBQ lunch
Cash bar on board (inc. alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages)
Freshly made scones, with cream and jam
Return ferry ticket, Paihia-Russell (if required)

Not Included

Hotel pick up and drop off

Itinerary

Make your way to RussellThe trip departs from Russell Wharf, 27 The Strand, Russell. Passengers starting in Paihia can collect complimentary ferry tickets from any Paihia information centre by 9.15am and take the 9.30am ferry, boarding in Russell at 9.45am.
Board the tall shipArrive at Russell Wharf to board the R. Tucker Thompson, where tea, coffee and scones are served as the ship gets under way.
Sail the Bay of IslandsThe itinerary allocates roughly 5 hours on the water, split between sailing and an island stop. Passengers can help raise the sails, climb the rigging or take the helm.
Island beach stopThe ship anchors at an island, with time to swim or explore before returning on board for the BBQ lunch.
Return to RussellThe ship returns to Russell Wharf at 3.30pm. Ferries back to Paihia run every 20 minutes, and a return ferry ticket is included if required.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points help this day go smoothly, based on the booking details and what past passengers report.

Where this tour sits among 7 tours in Tall Ship, Yacht And Catamaran Sailing listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Sundowner Tall Ship Sail, 1h50$63.07
Gungha II Day Sail, Island Stop$110
Phantom Sail, 5 Hours 30 Minutes$111.80
Tall Ship Sailing, BBQ Lunch Included (this tour)$117.53
Vigilant Yacht Full-Day Sail$117.53
Day Sail, Lunch and Island Stop$121
6-Hour Sail to Wildlife Sanctuary$140.47

Getting involved. Reviewers consistently describe this as a hands-on trip.
Food and drink. Scones with cream and jam plus tea and coffee come early in the day, followed by a chicken BBQ lunch. Dietary requirements were handled well for one reviewer, though it is sensible to flag needs when booking. Alcohol and other drinks are available from the cash bar.
The island stop. Travellers mention swimming and exploring the island during the stop. Pack swimwear, a towel and comfortable shoes if you plan to do more than stay on the beach.
Weather dependence. The experience requires good weather and offers a different date or a full refund if it is cancelled for poor conditions. Reviews describe warm, overcast and calm days, and one reviewer noted there was barely enough wind for sailing, so bring layers and sun protection to cover both.
Crowds and space. The maximum group size is 40 travellers. Most reviewers found the boat comfortable, though a group this size means it is a shared experience rather than a private charter.
Getting there. There is no hotel pickup or drop off. From Paihia, collect the complimentary ferry ticket by 9.15am for the 9.30am sailing to Russell. Cruise ship passengers should check their ship's tender times before booking, as the operator advises that delays are possible.

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Common issues. Hotel pickup and drop off are not included, so everyone must make their own way to Russell Wharf, and cruise passengers need to verify tender times against the fixed 9.45am boarding. The trip depends on decent weather and, with up to 40 travellers, is a group experience rather than an intimate one. Sailing conditions vary, and at least one reviewer noted there was barely enough wind for sailing on their day. Some wheelchairs may not be suitable, so passengers with mobility equipment should talk to the operator first.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The cruise on the tall ship, tea and coffee, freshly made scones with cream and jam, and a chicken BBQ lunch are all included. A return ferry ticket between Paihia and Russell is included if needed. Drinks from the cash bar cost extra, and hotel pickup and drop off are not included.

Where Does The Tour Start And How Do I Get There From Paihia?

The trip departs from Russell Wharf, 27 The Strand, Russell. Passengers coming from Paihia can collect complimentary ferry tickets from any Paihia information centre by 9.15am, take the 9.30am ferry, and board in Russell at 9.45am. The ship returns to Russell Wharf at 3.30pm, with ferries back to Paihia every 20 minutes.

Is The Tour Suitable For People With Limited Mobility?

The experience is wheelchair and pushchair accessible and most travellers can participate. Passengers are also asked to contact the operator about any physical restrictions, since some wheelchairs may not be suitable. One reviewer with mobility issues reported the crew helped from the start.

Can Children Join The Sailing Trip?

Most travellers can participate, no child restriction is set, and pushchairs are allowed on board. As with any physical restrictions, it is worth mentioning young children to the operator before booking.

Do I Have To Help Sail The Ship?

No. Helping raise the sails, steering and climbing the rigging are all optional invitations, and several reviewers said relaxing on deck for the whole trip is a perfectly acceptable way to spend the day. The rigging climb uses a safety harness.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.