Bay of Islands: Full-Day Tall Ship Sailing Excursion

Nestled in the stunning northern reaches of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands beckons adventurers to set sail on a captivating journey aboard the historic R. Tucker Thompson. This full-day tall ship excursion promises an immersive maritime experience, where guests can hoist sails, climb rigging, and even take the helm under the guidance of a friendly, experienced crew. From savoring a hearty BBQ lunch to swimming in the serene waters, this remarkable voyage offers the perfect blend of hands-on activities and breathtaking scenery. But the true allure lies in the captivating stories that unfold, transporting passengers back in time and leaving them eager to…

This experience made our list of the 12 Best Sailing Experiences In Paihia.

Key Points

• Experience sailing on a century-old schooner, R. Tucker Thompson, in the Bay of Islands for 5.5 hours, with opportunities to hoist sails and climb rigging.
• Enjoy a morning cream tea and a hearty BBQ lunch during the voyage, as the knowledgeable crew shares captivating stories about the ship and the bay.
• The not-for-profit organization offers a flexible booking and cancellation policy, allowing hassle-free adjustments to your travel plans.
• The crew provides a safe and engaging sailing adventure, with their expertise in navigating the rigging and delivering exceptional customer service.
• Depart from Russell Wharf at 10:00 AM, with complimentary ferry service available from Paihia, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable sailing experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The Bay of Islands Sailing Excursion offers a full-day adventure aboard a traditional tall ship, with prices starting from €98.85 per person for the 5.5-hour experience.

Guests can sail on the century-old schooner R. Tucker Thompson, engaging in activities like hoisting sails, climbing the rigging, and taking the helm.

The excursion includes a morning cream tea with scones and jam, followed by a delicious BBQ lunch.

Travelers can also swim, relax, and listen to the crew’s captivating stories about the ship and the stunning Bay of Islands.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this sailing tour provides both flexibility and value.

Highlights of the Experience

Bay of Islands: Full-Day Tall Ship Sailing Excursion

Highlights of the Experience

Beyond the practical details, the Bay of Islands Sailing Excursion offers a truly immersive experience that captivates the senses. Guests can hoist the sails of the century-old schooner R. Tucker Thompson, feeling the wind in their hair as they climb the rigging for a bird’s-eye view of the stunning bay.

They can take the helm and steer the majestic vessel, connecting with the ship’s history and the natural beauty that surrounds them. During the voyage, the crew shares captivating stories about the ship and the region, while guests indulge in a delightful morning cream tea and a hearty BBQ lunch.

Whether swimming, relaxing, or actively participating, the excursion promises an unforgettable day on the water.

About the Tall Ship R. Tucker Thompson

Designed based on the speedy and nimble Halibut schooners, the 100-year-old R. Tucker Thompson is a traditional tall ship that has been carefully restored and maintained by the not-for-profit charitable trust that operates the vessel.

This magnificent schooner has been sailing the Bay of Islands for over 25 years, offering visitors a truly unique and personal experience.

With its Qualmark-approved Gold environmental rating, the R. Tucker Thompson provides a sustainable way to explore the stunning coastal scenery.

The friendly crew, well-versed in the ship’s history and the region’s stories, ensure a memorable voyage suitable for all ages, from hoisting sails to taking the helm and even swimming in the picturesque bay.

Crew and Safety Information

With the stunning Bay of Islands as the backdrop, the friendly and experienced crew of the R. Tucker Thompson ensure a safe and engaging sailing adventure for all aboard.

Skilled in navigating the ship’s rigging, sharing the vessel’s history, and providing exceptional customer service, the crew is committed to creating a memorable experience for guests of all ages.

They expertly handle the 100-year-old tall ship, which is Qualmark-approved with a Gold environmental rating, guiding passengers through activities like hoisting sails and taking the helm.

The crew’s passion for the ship and the Bay of Islands shines through as they weave captivating tales and ensure everyone has a fun and enriching day out on the water.

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Meeting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at the Russell Wharf, where guests conveniently board the ship at 10:00 AM.

To reach the departure point, a complimentary ferry service ferries passengers from Paihia, with tickets available for collection from the I-Site Information Centre by 9:15 AM. The last ferry leaves at 9:30 AM, ensuring a punctual start to the day’s sailing adventure.

This seamless transportation arrangement allows visitors to relax and soak in the stunning Bay of Islands scenery on their way to the awaiting tall ship.

With the logistics taken care of, guests can look forward to an unforgettable sailing experience aboard the historic R. Tucker Thompson schooner, ready to embark on a journey filled with rich maritime heritage and engaging activities.

What to Bring and Expect

Travelers commonly pack sunscreen, a lightweight jacket, and swimwear to fully enjoy the diverse activities and stunning natural beauty throughout the sailing excursion.

The friendly crew encourages participants to get hands-on, whether hoisting sails, climbing the rigging, or taking the helm of the 100-year-old tall ship.

Between these maritime adventures, guests can relax and take in the picturesque Bay of Islands scenery, sipping on morning tea and indulging in a delicious BBQ lunch.

The experience culminates with a chance to plunge into the refreshing waters, providing a perfect end to this unique sailing odyssey.

With ample opportunities to create lasting memories, the excursion caters to all ages and adventure levels.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

Travelers’ positive impressions of the sailing excursion shine through in the rave reviews, which laud the friendly crew, delectable BBQ lunch, and unique maritime experiences. With an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 89 reviews, the sailing adventure has clearly struck a chord with visitors.

Many highlighted the knowledgeable and welcoming crew, who shared captivating stories about the ship and bay. The hearty BBQ lunch also received high praise, leaving guests satisfied and energized for a day of sailing activities.

Customers further appreciated the chance to participate in traditional seafaring tasks, from hoisting sails to taking the helm, culminating in an unforgettable tall ship experience.

• Friendly, storytelling crew foster a personalized, immersive voyage

• Homemade BBQ lunch fuels passengers for a full day of sailing

• Hands-on activities like sail-hoisting and helm-steering create lifelong memories

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Flexible booking and hassle-free cancellation policies make reserving the Bay of Islands sailing excursion a breeze. Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, while free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance ensures a full refund should plans change.

This convenience allows travelers to secure their spot with confidence, knowing they’ve the flexibility to adjust their itinerary if needed. The not-for-profit organization operating the 100-year-old tall ship understands the unpredictability of travel, providing a worry-free booking experience.

With these thoughtful policies, guests can focus on anticipating the unique sailing adventure, from hoisting the sails to swimming in the picturesque bay, without the stress of rigid reservations.

Recap

The Bay of Islands tall ship sailing excursion aboard the historic R. Tucker Thompson is a truly remarkable maritime adventure.

From hoisting sails and climbing rigging to savoring morning tea and a hearty BBQ lunch, guests are immersed in the beauty of the region while creating unforgettable memories.

With a friendly, experienced crew and a focus on safety, this excursion offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the region’s rich maritime heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: