Sundowner Tall Ship Sail, 1h50

Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sundowner Sailing

★ 4.9 111 reviews

from $63.07 per person

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Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
Meeting point: Russell, The Strand
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
On board: Shared antipasto platter included
Run by: R. Tucker Thompson

Overview

The R. Tucker Thompson is a genuine tall ship, a traditional schooner. According to one reviewer, it is a not-for-profit that supports sail training for young people, funded in part by taking paying tourists in the summer season. This sundowner sail runs just under two hours through the inner Bay of Islands, departing from Russell Wharf and returning there. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but the operator provides free ferry transfers between Paihia and Russell, with the last useful crossing leaving Paihia around 3.30 pm so you can board the ship by 3.45 pm.

Once under way, the trip is as hands-on as you want it to be. Reviewers regularly describe helping raise the sails, taking a turn at the helm, and even climbing the rigging with the crew keeping an eye on safety. Those who prefer to sit back can do exactly that with a drink from the licensed bar while a shared antipasto platter does the rounds. Wet weather gear is supplied if conditions call for it.

The sail suits most travellers, including families, and children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Capacity tops out at 47 passengers. The vessel is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, and service animals are allowed.

Tall ship under sail in the Bay of Islands with green islands behind.

What's Included

Included

Cruise of the inner Bay of Islands on the tall ship, the R. Tucker Thompson.
Shared Antipasto Platter
Wet weather gear (if required)
Licensed bar on board

Not Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

Paihia ferry crossingCollect free ferry transfers from any Paihia Info Centre at the wharf. Catch the 3.30 pm ferry from Paihia at the latest to reach Russell.
Board at Russell WharfThe ship departs from Russell Wharf, 27 The Strand, Russell. Boarding is by 3.45 pm.
Sail the inner BayA roughly 2 hour cruise on the R. Tucker Thompson through the inner Bay of Islands, returning to Russell around 5.45 pm. Antipasto platter, licensed bar and optional sail handling included.
Ferry back to PaihiaA ferry from Russell to Paihia runs at 6.30 pm for those staying on the Paihia side.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most from this sail.

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 (this tour)$63.07
Gungha II Day Sail, Island Stop$110
Phantom Sail, 5 Hours 30 Minutes$111.80
Tall Ship Sailing, BBQ Lunch Included$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. Hands-on participation is a hallmark of this trip. Reviewers often mention helping raise the sails, steering from the helm and climbing the rigging. Participation is optional, so sitting back with a drink is equally fine.
Food and drink. A shared antipasto platter is included. There is a licensed bar on board.
Getting there. Hotel transport is not included, but free ferry transfers between Paihia and Russell are provided. Catch the 3.30 pm ferry from Paihia at the latest to board in Russell by 3.45 pm.
Weather and clothing. Wet weather gear is supplied if required. The sail needs good weather, so dress in layers you can move in.
Kids and group feel. Children are welcome with an adult, and reviewers described kids climbing the rigging and helping the crew. The maximum group size is 47 travellers.
Accessibility. The experience is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, and service animals are allowed. It is near public transportation, and most travellers can participate.

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Common issues. The sail is weather dependent, and if it is cancelled for poor weather you are offered a different date or a full refund. Refunds require cancellation at least 24 hours before the start time, and hotel pickup is not included.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The operator does provide free ferry transfers between Paihia and Russell, collected from any Paihia Info Centre at the wharf.

Where Does The Tour Depart From?

The ship departs from Russell Wharf, 27 The Strand, Russell. If you are coming from Paihia, the operator advises catching the 3.30 pm ferry at the latest to board by 3.45 pm.

Is Food Included?

A shared antipasto platter is included, along with wet weather gear if needed. There is also a licensed bar on board.

How Long Is The Sailing Trip?

The duration is 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours. The ship returns to Russell around 5.45 pm, with a ferry back to Paihia at 6.30 pm.

Can Children Join The Tall Ship Sail?

Yes, most travellers can participate and children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Reviewers often mention kids helping the crew and climbing the rigging. The maximum group size is 47.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. The experience requires good weather, and weather cancellations come with a choice of a different date or a full refund.